PATROLLING - 75th Ranger Regiment Assn., Inc.

Transcription

PATROLLING
WINTER 2011 75TH RANGER REGIMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. VOLUME 26 ISSUE III
Mass tactical, Fryar drop zone,
Ft. Benning, GA, 2011.
Officers’ Messages ........................................1-8
General ........................................9-30 & 70-76
Unit Reports.............................................31-69
CHINA - BURMA - INDIA VIETNAM IRAN GRENADA PANAMA IRAQ SOMALIA AFGHANISTAN
PAT RO L L I N G – W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
WHO WE ARE: The 75th Ranger Regiment Association, Inc., is a
registered 501 (c) corporation, registered in the State of Georgia. We were
founded in 1986 by a group of veterans of F/58, (LRP) and L/75 (Ranger).
The first meeting was held on June 7, 1986, at Ft. Campbell, KY.
OUR MISSION:
1. To identify and offer membership to all eligible 75th Infantry Rangers,
and members of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
Companies, Long Range Patrol Companies, Ranger
Companies and Detachments, Vietnamese Ranger
Advisors of the Biet Dong Quan; members of LRSU
units that trace their lineage to Long Range Patrol
Companies that were attached to Brigade or larger units
during the Vietnam War and the 75th Ranger Regiment.
2. To sustain the Association. Unlike the WWII
Battalions and Merrill’s Marauders, the 75RRA accepts
members and former members of the Active Ranger
Battalions. By doing so we are perpetuating the
association. It will not “die off” as these two
organizations someday will.
4. To assist, when possible, those active units and their
members who bear the colors and lineage of the 5307th
Composite Provisional Unit (CPU), 475th Infantry
Regiment, 75th Infantry (Ranger) Companies (Merrill’s
Marauders), 1st and 2nd Battalions (Ranger) 75th Infantry, the 75th
Ranger Regiment, consisting of Regimental Headquarters 1st, 2nd, and
3rd Ranger Battalions, successor units, or additions to the Regiment.
WHAT WE DO:
During the last five years we have provided financial support to the young
men of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Each year, through contributions from
our members and some outside sources, we have provided about
$4,000.00 to each of the three Ranger Battalions and $2,000.00 to the
Regimental HQ. These funds enabled the families of the junior enlisted
men, (E-5 & below) to get certificates for toys for the children and
turkeys for Christmas dinner.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
SECTION 2: Long Range Reconnaissance
Patrol
A. V Corp (LRRP)
B. VII Corp (LRRP)
C. 9th Inf. Div. (LRRP)
D. 25th Inf. Div. (LRRP)
E. 196th Inf. Bde. (LRRP)
F. 1st Cav. Div. (LRRP)
G. 1st Inf. Div. (LRRP)
H. 4th Inf. Div. (LRRP)
I. 101st Abn. Div., 1st Bde. (LRRP)
J. 199th Inf. Bde. (LRRP)
K. 173rd Abn. Bde. (LRRP)
L. 3rd Inf. Div. (LRRP)
SECTION 3: Long Range Patrol
A. Co D (LRP) 17th Inf.
B. Co E (LRP) 20th Inf.
C. Co E (LRP) 30th Inf.
D. Co E (LRP) 50th Inf.
E. Co F (LRP) 50th Inf.
F. Co E (LRP) 51st Inf.
G. Co F (LRP) 51st Inf.
H. Co E (LRP) 52nd Inf.
We have funded trips for families to visit their wounded sons and
husbands while they were in the hospital. We have purchased a learning
program soft ware for the son of one young Ranger who had a brain
tumor removed. The Army took care of the surgery, but no means existed
to purchase the learning program. We fund the purchase of several awards
for graduates of RIP and Ranger School. We have contributed to each of
the three Battalion’s Memorial Funds and Ranger Balls,
and to the Airborne Memorial at Ft. Benning.
We have bi-annual reunions and business meetings. Our
Officers, (President, 1st & 2nd Vice-Presidents,
Secretary & Treasurer), are elected at this business
meeting. This reunion coincides with the 75th Ranger
Regiment’s Ranger Rendezvous, and is at Columbus,
GA. (Ft. Benning). We have off year reunions at various
locations around the country.
I. Co F (LRP) 52nd Inf.
J. Co C (LRP) 58th Inf.
K. Co E (LRP) 58th Inf.
L. Co F (LRP) 58th Inf.
M. 70th Inf. DET (LRP)
N. 71st Inf. DET (LRP)
O. 74th Inf. DET (LRP)
P. 78th Inf. DET (LRP)
Q. 79th Inf. DET (LRP)
R. Co D (LRP) 151st Inf.
SECTION 4: 75th Infantry Ranger
Companies
A. Co A (RANGER) 75th Inf.
B. Co B (RANGER) 75th Inf.
C. Co C (RANGER) 75th Inf.
D. Co D (RANGER) 75th Inf.
E. Co E (RANGER) 75th Inf.
F. Co F (RANGER) 75th Inf.
G. Co G (RANGER) 75th Inf.
H. Co H (RANGER) 75th Inf.
I. Co I (RANGER) 75th Inf.
J. Co K (RANGER) 75th Inf.
K. Co L (RANGER) 75th Inf.
L. Co M (RANGER) 75th Inf.
PRESIDENTS:
Bob Gilbert
1986-1988
Billy Nix
1988-1990
Bob Gilbert
1990-1992
Roy Nelson (resigned)
1992-1994
Milton Lockett (resigned)
Duke Dushane (appointed by Directors)
Roy Barley
1994-1996
Rick Erlher
1996-1998
1998-2000
Terry Roderick
Emmett Hiltibrand
2000-2002
2002-2004
Dana McGrath
Emmett Hiltibrand
2004-2005
Stephen Crabtree
2005-2007
William Bullen
2007-2009
John Chester
2009-2011
M. Co N (RANGER) 75th Inf.
N. Co O (RANGER) 75th Inf.
O. Co P (RANGER) 75th Inf.
P. Co D (RANGER) 151st Inf.
SECTION 5: Vietnamese Ranger Advisors
BDQ
All units of the Biet Dong Quan (BDQ).
SECTION 6: 75th Ranger Regiment
A. 1st Battalion (Ranger) 75th Inf., activated
in 1974.
B. 2nd Battalion (Ranger) 75th Inf.,
activated in 1974.
C. 3rd Battalion (Ranger) 75th Inf.,
activated in 1984.
D. 75th Ranger Regiment HQ’s Company,
activated in 1984.
SECTION 7: Long Range Surveillance:
Any Long Range Surveillance Company or
Detachment that can trace its’ lineage to, or
is currently assigned to a Brigade or larger
element that was deployed to Vietnam as
listed in section 2, 3 or 4 above.
PAT R O L L I N G - W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
A/75-D/17 LRP-V Corps LRRP
Bill Bohte
44155 Camino Azul
La Quinta, CA 92253
760-345-5590
Email: [email protected]
B/75 – C/58 LRP – VII CORPS LRRP
Marc L. Thompson
80 Rock Ridge Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
H-610-913-8183
C-610-763-2756
F-610-648-9367
C/75 – E/20 LRP
Del Ayers
2711 E. Pinchot Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
H (602)840-9676
C (602)576-9676
D/75
Richard “Herd” Nelson
407-601-2801
E-mail: rnelson134@cfl.rr.com
E/75 - E/50 LRP – 9th DIV LRRP
Rick Stetson
Box 1250
Duxbury, MA 02332
H-781-934-8504
Fax 781-934-0395
E-mail: [email protected]
F/75 – F/50 – 25th DIV LRRP
Tim Walsh
5550 Carleton-Rockwood Rd.
South Rockwood, MI 48179
H-313-590-6673
G/75 – E/51 LRP – 196th LRRP
Stephen Crabtree
59 Crescent Creek Drive,
Okatie, South Carolina 29909
843 705 2014 (h)
843 338 2724 (c)
H/75 – E/52 LRP – 1st CAV LRRP
William T. Anton
H -702-648-9836
I/75 – F/52 LRP – 1st DIV LRRP
David Flores
K/75 – E/58 LRP – 4th DIV LRRP
Roger T. Crunk
1159 19 Road
Fruita, CO 81521
H-970-858-4579
L/75 – F/58 LRP – 1/101st LRRP
Jerry Gomes
PO Box 1570
Sandy , OR 97055
503-668-6127
UNIT DIRECTORS
M/75 – 71st LRP – 199th LRRP
Don Tillisch
2513 Ninth St. South
Fargo, ND 58103
H-701-280-0648
C-701-367-6130
N/75 – 74th LRP – 173rd LRRP
Robert ‘Twin’ Henriksen
2218 Augustine Dr.
Ferndale, WA 98248
H-360-393-7790
O/75 – 78th LRP
Michael L. Dolsen
PO Box 190346
Anchorage, AK 99519-0346
H-907-243-5339
C-907-350-4456
P/75 – 79th LRP
Terry B. Roderick
25 Carleton Dr.
Cocoa, FL 32922-7003
H-321-631-3213
E-mail: rgrrock@cfl.rr.com
D/151 LRP/RANGER
Leon Moore
3433 W. Randolph Co. Line Rd.
Fountain City, IN 47371
H-765- 874-1996
F/51 LRP
Russell Dillon
39 Pearl St.
Wakeman, OH 44889
H-440- 839-2607
HQ, 75th RANGER REGT
Richard (Rick) Barella
PSC 45 Box 1248
APO AE 09468
PH 011-44-1423-507480
Cell 011-44-7711-129772
1st BN, 75th RANGER RGT
Todd M. Currie
Day-719-721-0748
Home-719-576-5084
E-mail: ranger.currie@qcom
2nd BN, 75th RANGER RGT
Kevin Ingraham
PO Box 1911
Binghamton, NY 13902-1911
607-771-0399
3rd BN, 75th RANGER RGT
Scott Billingslea
1
LRRP DETACHMENT- 3rd ID
Michael McClintock
2323 Armada Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
H-650- 341-7331
ARVN RANGER ADV, (BDQ)
Bill Miller
1090 Brightwood Dr.
Aiken, SC 29803
H-803-641-9504
The following individuals are appointed by
the President of the 75th Ranger Regiment
Association to their respective positions in
order to facilitate the day-to-day operation
of the Association.
Association VA Advocate
Dan Nate
408 Elm Street
Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097
H-856-848-9174
C-856-371-7401
[email protected]
Web Master
Dave Regenthal
[email protected]
H-239-207-1145
USSOCOM Representative
Smokey Wells
[email protected]
Gold Star Mother Advocate
Sandee Rouse
[email protected]
Gold Star Wife Advocate
Sandy Harris
[email protected]
Association Legal Counsel
John Chester
[email protected]
James Savage
Association Photographer
S. J. “Peter” Parker
[email protected]
Link to site:
www.flickr.com/photos/rangerpete
Graphic Artist
Dave Walker
[email protected]
State Coordinator
Vacant
Reunion Coordinator
David Cummings
[email protected]
75th Ranger Regiment Association
P. O. Box 577800
Modesto, CA 95357-7800
www.75thrra.org
President
Joe Little
C-602-315-9227
[email protected]
First Vice President
Jason D. Baker
C-206-850-8045
[email protected]
Second Vice President
Wesley Jurena
281-650-1985
[email protected]
Secretary
Tom Sove
PO Box 577800
C-209-404-6394
H-209-575-2758
[email protected]
Treasurer
Roger Crunk
970-858-4579
[email protected]
Patrolling Editor
John W. Chester
C-410-382-9344
[email protected]
Associate Patrolling Editor
Kevin Ingraham
607-221-1526
[email protected]
Patrolling is published quarterly by the 75th
Ranger Regiment Association, Inc., and is mailed
third class postage, under postal permit #150,
Altoona, PA
The opinions expressed by the Officers, Unit
Directors, Editor and other writers are entirely
their own and are not to be considered an
official expression or position of the Association.
Advertisements for products or services do not
constitute an endorsement by the Association.
Manuscripts, photographs and drawings are
submitted at the risk of the individual submitting
the material. Captions must be submitted with
any photographs or graphics.
The Officers and the Editor reserve the right to
edit submissions for clarity and space constraints.
Every precaution will be taken to preserve the
intent and scope of the author. The Officers and
Editor reserve the right to refuse any submission,
that is in bad taste, offensive or that discredits
unnecessarily any individual or group.
WEB SITE &
MAGAZINE NEWS
The Association web site and Patrolling magazine are the windows of the 75th Ranger
Regiment Association, Inc. They are the principal means of communication from the
Officers and Unit Directors to our members and the principal means of attracting
new members. These two media sources, like the Association itself, are the property
and responsibilities of all the members. We are going to highlight, in each issue, new
features of each, and what our members can do to support and enhance both.
Associate Editor comments:
Welcome to 2012. The personally cataclysmic final quarter of 2011 is done and gone
and I am back with the program. I am typing this in John Chester’s study where
he is teaching me the mechanics of publishing Patrolling using the tried-and-true
“performance oriented training” method. There is a good deal more to producing a
journal like this then one would suspect – as it is with any new challenge. One of those
things I am already well along on learning is that this community is as amazing as we
think it is, and mostly in good ways. Another is that I am going to get to know a great
many of you through your submissions and through working with you and through
the issues that arise in the production of this journal. I’m looking forward to that.
The next issue should be on time. Thank you for your patience during this transmission
period.
And remember please: Submit your imagery and photos separate from your text
documents!
From John Chester
Deadlines are the 15th of February, May, August,
and November for the Spring, Summer, Fall and
Winter Issues respectively.
POSTMASTER
Send address corrections to: Patrolling,
PO Box 577800
2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Joe Little
Mmmmmmmmmmm
“Impressive”
A Great Turnout for 2011 Ranger
Rendezvous this year. Many really old
faces showed up this year along with
more first timers. Gary Linderer, John
Looney and many more than I can recall
names for;(my half timers kicks in every
so often).The group of old timers as I refer
Joe Little
are the founders/organizers of this great
organization and at the helm then was Ranger Bob Gilbert.
The second day was another day of long lines for registration
and gathering in the hospitality room to celebrate old
friendships and embellishing of experiences.
However; we had one Ranger SFC Leroy Petry, recipient of
The Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan managed
to show up a couple of times at the host hotel. Many had
photo op with him. I spoke with him a little and was amazed
as he mentioned several years ago he was at our Rendezvous
as a PFC and felt intimidated by our band of Warriors and
honored that many spoke to him. Now we are honored by
his presence and hope to see more of him; however, we know
the Army is running his schedule for now. I told him about
his life membership and he accepted. All the new Patrolling
Magazines including mine was taken by others for autographs;
therefore, I did not have an application for Leroy to sign. Jason
volunteered to take care of that; right Jason?? ;-)
John Chester stated he planned on a bigger and better and
he did just that. Many of the Ladies were at first reluctant
of taking special bus for a full day at Callaway Gardens for
guided tour and lunch. I wish I had a photo of the return
and how much they seemed to enjoy. Therefore; I foresee a
continued activity for spouse/Significant others and more
family orientated events for the future of the 75th RRA
Inc as our ranks median age is dropping as we increase our
membership from the Ranger batts.
Okay, now what about our board. Well there was an election I
requested a recount of the vote for the president, but that fell on
deaf ears. I heard a lot of support and offers for assistance and it
is humbling to say the least to lead the way for this association
for the next couple of years as your President. There are some
really big shoes that walked before me; therefore I have many
good examples to follow. However; not a small task as we
expand and work on funds and our important mission is to care
for our brothers and families that care for our safety today.
Old LRRP/Ranger John Looney & young
Ranger SFC Leroy Petry from 2nd BN.
Those of you that missed this one might of heard the Regiment
made some changes on the normal routine demonstrations.
Mas-Tac-Jump, Ranger assault on enemy with dog handlers
turning loose on enemy, guns, explosions, guns blazing;
old timers doing a subtle startle response trying not to be
obvious; pickup of ground forces by V-22 Ospreys first day
was impressive.
The board as most know is: President from 25th ID LRRP
well my APO address was that at first, but truly F/50th LRP
to F/Co 75th Ranger. Jason Baker 1st VP, Wes Jurena 2nd
VP, our two from 1st and 3rd BN. Tom Sove, secretary from
K/75th, Roger Crunk, Treasurer from K/75th and not a board
position is Kevin R. Ingraham as he has it old scroll 2nd BN.
3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (CONTINUED)
So we have a TEAM here that I feel are still living the Ranger
code and creed as part of their everyday life and it is the way
of this organization.
Thanks to all for Your Service
Now for some humor
A Russian and a Redneck wrestler were set to square off for the
Olympic gold medal.
To use Bob Gilbert’s words “So where are we; The 75th Ranger
Regiment Association is now the largest of ALL Ranger
combat associations”. It is apparent, because of what we do for
our brother Rangers. HOOAH RLTW
Before the final match, the Redneck wrestler’s trainer came to
him and said ‘Now, don’t forget all the research we’ve done on
this Russian. He’s never lost a match because of this ‘pretzel’
hold he has.
We as aboard commit to move forward with the membership
needs in mind. As we get settled in our positions and work on
goals they will be published in next issue; however for now
we want to build our membership internally and externally.
Internal is for our existing members to bring back those
that drifted away for whatever reason and our external is
new members. We also want everyone to take a good look
at possible candidates for Ranger Hall of Fame and get them
nominated for RHOF
Whatever you do, do not let him get you in that hold! If he
does, you’re finished.’
The redneck nodded in acknowledgment.
As the match started, the Redneck and the Russian circled
each other several times, looking for an opening.
I also want to recognize Gene Tucker for about four years of
service as State Coordinator a difficult task making sure all our
brothers are put to rest with dignity and respect they all deserve.
All of a sudden, the Russian lunged forward, grabbing the
Redneck and wrapping him up in the dreaded pretzel hold.
A sigh of disappointment arose from the crowd and the trainer
buried his face in his hands, for he knew all was lost.
Marshall Huckaby stepped up to fill that position and he has
already taken on a couple of duties right after the close of reunion.
Marshall is working with Sandee Rouse. I want all that can, to
step up and volunteer to assist when called. I know firsthand
how much the family appreciates when a group of Rangers are
present and the silence as “ONCE AN EAGLE” ceremony is
done and coin presented to family is an honor for both.
He couldn’t watch the inevitable happen.
Suddenly, there was a Long, High Pitched Scream, then a
cheer from the crowd and the trainer raised his eyes just in
time to watch the Russian go flying up in the air.
I heard some are organizing a unit reunions and think it is great.
I know F/Co is doing Veterans Day in DC at the “Wall” many
have not ventured there yet. What a supportive way to go to the
“Wall” for the first time. I will be there as this will be the 24th
year of being there with group from West Coast sponsored by
South West Airlines and supported by the Vet Centers.
His back hit the mat with a thud and the Redneck collapsed
on top of him, making the pin and winning the match.
The trainer was astounded.
When he finally got his wrestler alone, he asked ‘How did you
ever get out of that hold? No one has ever done it before !’
The wrestler answered ‘Well, I was ready to give up when he
got me in that hold but at the last moment, I opened my eyes
and saw this pair of testicles right in front of my face. I had
nothing to lose so with my last ounce of strength, I stretched
out my neck and bit those babies just as hard as I could.’
The trainer exclaimed ‘That’s what finished him off ?’
I want to thank all for the support offered, implied, suggested
and rest assured I will call if I can remember which phone
numbers belong to who on all the scrapes of paper I brought
home.
In closing I thank John for not shooting me when I told him
I was reluctant about this position. Some of you might know
he is a champion sheet shooter and was also on Army shooting
team. So running away was not an option. I know the Professor
and Mary Ann are going on a three day cruise. No, no that was
Gilligan’s Island wrong Professor sorry Mary Ann.
‘Not really. You’d be amazed how strong you get when you bite
your own nuts’ !
4
TREASURER’S MESSAGE
By Wesley Jurena
Fellow Members,
FAMILY FUND
DONATIONS
LESS: DISBURSEMENTS
SUB TOTAL
I was elected to the Post of Association Treasurer at our
recent reunion. I appreciate that vote of confidence from the
membership. My intention is to serve the Association in an
honest and forthright manner and according to the guidelines
set forth in our by-laws.
EXPENSES
REFUND OF DUES,
OVERPMTS
60
BANK FEES
36
BAD CHECKS & FEES
195
PRINTING
PATROLLING
23,847
STATIONARY
927
COINS
463
PINS (LIFE & GOLD STAR) 1,933
WEB MAINTENANCE
3,000
TAXPREPARATION FEE
750
INSURANCE
340
SUPPLIES
OFFICE
443
BANNER/GUIDON
483
COMPUTER HRDWRE,
SFTWRE, MNTNCE
862
POSTAGE
PATROLLING
6,557
DUES NOTICES
1,419
OFFICE
1,153
PO BOX
286
I do not have a financial background so to be sure there will be
a learning period on my part and I will depend on the rest of
my fellow officers and past Treasurer’s to get me up to speed.
For an explanation of where and what our accounts are I will
just rely on the following from Tom Sove, our secretary:
“We have one operating account fund in Columbus, GA at
Columbus Bank & Trust. We use this for our convenience
solely for our reunions as we can do daily deposits while in
Columbus, and local checks always work best for these things.
We usually keep a nominal amount in this account. Whereas
we get the balance up over $10,000 during the reunion, we
write a check to our main operating account and get the
balance very low when the reunion is over. However, during
the year, this account grows because all credit card transactions
are deposited into this account. Our main deposits are at First
Community Bank in Kansas City. We have three accounts:
our CD, our Operating Account, and our Family Fund
Account. Our CD is, of course, a savings mechanism. The
Operating Account is what we pay our bills with and deposit
normal income. The Family Fund Account is our restricted
fund for use in giving out grants and donations. It is funded
solely by donations. We solicit donations for Family Fund,
Membership Fund, and Xmas Fund. All these Fund donations
go into this one account.”
SUB TOTAL
NET INCOME
19,744
24,774
1,788
9415
42,754
34,847
ACCOUNT BALANCES
AS OF 7-31-11
The board is very happy with the service we receive from
these institutions so I see no need to make any changes in this
regard. Below is our income and expense statement as of this
writing. Your Treasurer, Roger Crunk
INCOME
OPERATING ACCOUNT
DUES & MEMBERSHIP
DEPOSITS
CREDIT CARDS
PAY PAL
PATROLLING ADS
REUNION
VENDOR FEE
23,933
-4189
78,601
OPERATING FUND - FIRST
COMMUNITY BANK
7,302
OPERATING FUND COLUMBUS BANK & TRUST
22,956
FAMILY FUND - FIRST
COMMUNITY BANK
28,824
49,837
1,570
7,000
300
58,407
300
CD - FIRST
COMMINITY BANK
26,352
150
150
PAY PAL ACCOUNT
12,000
5
91,154
GOLD STAR
By Sandee Rouse
B Y: Jill Stephenson
It seems like just yesterday we were
having a great time together at the
Ranger Rendezvous and suddenly
Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
allegiance in the past, but this year I
have been asked to speak about what
Veterans Day means to me as a Gold
Star Mother. In short I can say that the
reason my son Ben joined the military
was because of all the veterans that
served before him. His great-grandfather
had a special influence on him, but
Veterans Day is never about just one
man’s service to our country. It’s about
honoring the sacrifices ALL veterans
have made to ensure our freedoms and
taking measures to ensure our younger
generations are aware of those sacrifices
and how it effects their lives today.
Just before I attended the RR, I cohosted a Memorial Ride (motorcycles)
to honor my son Corporal Benjamin
Kopp, along with a local post of
American Legion Riders. We held
a silent auction and raised $10,000
for the Poly Trauma Unit at my local
Veterans Hospital. On October 23rd,
a small group of us delivered the
check. We were able to meet some of
the patients the money will directly assist and hear from the
staff about how grateful they were for Ben’s gift. Ben always
put others first and would want nothing less than to know in
death he can lend his name to lead the way in our community
to help veterans in need.
For the past two years I have also participated in Wreaths
Across America at Arlington National Cemetery where Ben
is laid to rest. It’s a wonderful time to honor those that are no
longer with us by placing a beautiful wreath on their graves.
The contrast of the pine wreath and red ribbons against the
white headstones row after row after row is stunning. This year
I have decided to ride along with the convoy of semi’s that
will be delivering the wreaths to ANC. Best efforts are also
going to be made to cover every single grave, so there will be
approximately fifty trucks.
We begin in Harrington, Maine and commence the week
long festive travels by exchanging wreaths with our Canadian
neighbors. We then work our way down the coast through
seven states and arrive in the DC area on the eve of December
9th to prepare for the distribution to honor and remember the
fallen the next day. Ruth Stonesifer has made this trip in the
past and I’m very excited to be able to do it this year. I have
no doubt it will be a trip of a lifetime. Thank you to Ruth for
convincing me to go and for helping me in the planning.
In early October, I was the closing ceremony speaker at the
Virginia Transplant Games in Midlothian, Virginia, which is
just outside of Richmond (and also happens to be where one
of my favorite Rangers lives). I was able to tell Ben’s story of
heroism off the battlefield as he became an organ donor. Ben’s
liver recipient participated in the three on the three basketball
and won a silver medal. He’s a very grateful father of three who
readily credits Ben’s selflessness for saving his life as he faced
his own death from liver disease.
As we approach Veterans Day, I would like to offer my personal
gratitude to veterans past, present and future for your service
to America. Without your sacrifices America would not be the
greatest country in the world. As we look towards Thanksgiving
and the holidays to follow, let us remember our Rangers In The
Sky and all of their families as they spend another season with
an empty seat at the table. Let us also remember the Ranger
Family we still have. I have felt incredibly blessed over the last
twenty-seven months since Ben died to be welcomed to this
wonderful family. Thank you to each and every one of you
who have put your arms around me and comforted me in one
way or another. Ben has surrounded me with such greatness.
For the past two years on Veterans Day I have been privileged to
be part of the ceremony held at the Vietnam Veterans memorial
in St. Paul, MN, where I live. Tom Eckhoff, a Ranger, invites
me each year. The group is mostly Special Forces, a couple
Rangers and the local Laos veterans. I have led the pledge of
6
GOLD STAR (CONTINUED)
Rangers Always Lead The Way in my book. Blessings and
Happy Holidays to all.
_________________________________________________
SGT Sandrino Plutino 1/75
Sgt. Tyler N. Holtz, 22, of Dana Point, Calif., 2/75
Spc. Ricardo Cerros Jr., 24, of Salinas, Calif., 2/75
Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, 2/75
Pvt. 1st Class Christopher A. Horns, 20 2/75
As we approach the Holiday season, I am struck by the
commitment of the Ranger community to remember its
fallen heroes. This year marks the 10th anniversary of my son’s
death, 38 days after 9/11. I appreciated his fellow Rangers
who reached out to me to let me know they remember his
smile and sacrifice.
I want to say how much I missed being with all of you this
summer at the reunion but know you were Blessed by my 2
partners Jill Stephenson and Ruth Stonesifer. I am so thankful
for the 2 of you.
On November 4 I attended the Memorial Service at 1/75 that
honored 2 of their fallen Rangers SSG Jeremy Katzenberger
and SGT Sandrino Plutino. I was Honored to meet their
families and assured them that I and the 75th RRA stand
ready to support and assist them in any way needed.
For the past 6 years I have been actively involved with the
Wreaths Across American efforts to Honor, Remember and
Teach. Each year thousands of fellow Americans assemble
at National Cemeteries all over the country and world to
remember the Veterans. They honor their service by placing
holiday wreaths on their graves. This year marks the 20
Anniversary and the goal is to place a wreath on every marker
at Arlington National Cemetery where this tribute started.
That is over 300,000 graves and 50 tracker trailer loads from
Maine. We can all help with this tribute by going to the
website and donating 10 dollars or more to sponsor a wreath.
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
The association was well represented. As well as myself CSM
& Brenda Acebes and State Coordinator Marshall Huckaby
were there.
This issue is always the toughest for me to write. For so many
Rangers and their families their absence is felt even more
deeply now than most other times. Whether they are away
doing their job or whether they are not coming home because
they gave their all doing their job, they are missed even more
this time of year. May all of you feel the comfort and peace
that passes all understanding as God holds you even closer
through these holidays.
Since Kris’ memory marker is at Arlington I have been blessed
to participate every year in placing the wreaths. I am always
stuck as I watch the volunteers push baby buggies with wreaths
and children in tow, to pause at a stone, place the wreath and
read the name. You see, Gold star parents experience moments
of panic that our sons and daughter will be forgotten. When
I see the brigade of baby buggies and families paying tribute
each year I know that when Kris stone is weather worn and
maybe even unreadable, a mother and child will climb the hill
in section MH, place a wreath on number 300 and remember
my son. That is a comfort.
For our family this will be 22 years of missing and remembering
our Ranger. He has now been gone longer than he was here
and yet he is always with us. What a wonderful blessing
memories can be.
Again Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
As Always It is an Honor and Privilege to serve you
Blessings RLTW
Sandee
Ruth Stonesifer
_________________________________________________
As you read this, the year is new so I will
say I hope your Holidays were blessed
with peace and joy. I wish you the best
year ever in the days ahead. The realty
is, as I write this, Thanksgiving is still
10 days away, Christmas and the High
holy days are fast approaching. Since
our last issue of Patrolling we have lost
Sandee Rouse
the following Rangers our thoughts and
prayers are with the families.
7
GOLD STAR (CONTINUED)
THE MIDST OF THESE JUNGLES
By Wayne Lund
For awhile now we have been serving together both young and old,
Joining together to form our Ranger teams, we’re standing
tall and so bold.
We have been patrolling in the midst of these jungles, and searching all around,
Knowing that sooner or later we will be facing our enemy on his own home ground.
Serving with this unit has made me harder than nails, ready to face any danger,
Because I’m the immortal soldier, The hard core fighter,
I’m a U.S. Army Ranger.
These brave Airborne Rangers are America’s pride, they are considered the very best,
They’ve proven over this past year, on every mission they’ve never failed to pass any test.
We have finally realized that no matter how hard we fight we are in a no win situation,
Hopefully Uncle Sam will realize this and bring us home for
a well deserved vacation.
[email protected]
8
2 March 2011
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
DISCLAIMER
DISCLAIMER: This series of articles entitled ‘LEGISLATIVE HELP LINE’ is meant to be an informative aid in assisting you in protecting your rights.
It is also meant to keep you informed of the ever-changing legislative forum that may affect you. There is a caveat here. The 75th Ranger Regiment
Association is not allowed to assist you in this effort. Our Constitution has a stipulation that forbids this. Article IV: Sec. 2. The Association shall
not endorse any political candidate, platform or party. Sec. 3. Officers, Directors and Members shall not engage in any form of activity that implies
or specifically relates the Association to any form of public activity without first obtaining approval from the Association. Therefore, no Officer, Unit
Director, Advocate or Member may present himself as a representative speaking for or on the behalf of the 75th Ranger Regiment Association. Now,
this does not prevent you from acting for yourself on your own behalf, I quote Article IV, Section 5: The foregoing does not restrict or prohibit members
from engaging in activities which are the constitutional right of any citizen. As I said, this section is provided as a service to inform you. You must act
on your own. Do not attempt to act on behalf of the Association. Thank you, Joe Little, President
VA Emergency Care Update 06: The VA announced 12 JAN
a change in regulations regarding payments for emergency
care provided to eligible veterans in non-VA facilities.
“This provision helps ensure eligible veterans continue to
get the emergency care they need when VA facilities are
not available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.
Shinseki. The new regulation extends VA’s authority to pay
for emergency care provided to eligible veterans at nonVA facilities until the veterans can be safely transferred to
a VA medical facility. More than 100,000 veterans could
be affected by the new rules, at a cost of about $44 million
annually. VA operates 121 emergency departments across the
country, which provide resuscitative therapy and stabilization
in life-threatening situations. They operate 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. VA also has 46 urgent care units, which
provide care for patients without scheduled appointments
who need immediate medical or psychiatric attention. For
more information about emergency care in non-VA facilities
refer to http://www.nonvacare.va.gov.
in Iraq, between 100,000 and 300,000 service members are
estimated to have fallen victim to PTSD. Rep. Ann Marie
Buerkle (R-NY), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on
Health of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, said
the statistics on mental health problems, like PTSD, among
current and former military personnel are sobering.
“Eighteen veterans commit suicide each day with almost a
third receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs
at the time of their death,” Buerkle said. “Each month there
are 950 veterans being treated by VA who attempt suicide.
What’s more, data from the Department of Defense indicate
service members took their lives at an approximate rate of
one every 36 hours from 2005 to 2010.” Veterans account
for 20 percent of America’s suicides.
The Veterans Health Administration reported a 34 percent
increase in the number of veterans using VA mental health
services, rising from 897,129 in FY 2006 to 1,203,530 in
FY 2010. The system is strained trying to keep up with the
demand. Recently, the VA surveyed its front-line mental
health professionals to determine if they have sufficient
resources to get veterans into treatment. The results showed
that almost 40 percent maintain they cannot schedule an
appointment for a veteran in need of assistance within the 14
days mandated by the agency. Seventy percent answered that
they don’t have adequate staff or space to meet the mental
health care needs of the veterans they serve. And 46 percent
said the lack of off-hour appointments prevented veterans
from accessing care.
[Source: VA Press Release 12 Jan 2012 ++]
PTSD Update 84: According to the Department of Veterans
Affairs, 11 to 20 percent of the veterans of the Iraq and
Afghanistan wars suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder,
a severe anxiety condition that can develop after exposure to
an event that results in psychological trauma. That compares
to 10 percent of the nation’s Gulf War Veterans and about 30
percent of those who served in Vietnam. Military personnel
who have been on missions that exposed them to horrible
and life-threatening experiences can succumb to PTSD.
Veterans for Common Sense, an advocacy group, claims that
after a decade of war in Afghanistan and nearly nine years
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco is
taking a long look to determine whether the VA is living up
to its responsibilities. In 2007, Veterans for Common Sense
9
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (CONTINUED)
and Veterans United for Truth sued to address long delays
veterans face obtaining VA disability compensation benefits
and VA health care, especially treatment for post-traumatic
stress disorder. The claim noted that 85,000 veterans
languished on a list for mental health care at the time the
suit was filed despite a law requiring the administration to
conduct a mental health assessment within 30 days of a
patient’s request. Such delays, they claimed, violate veterans’
constitutional right to due process. According to recent VA
reports, more than 850,000 veterans are waiting, on average,
five months for a VA claim decision. An additional 250,000
veterans are waiting four more years for VA to decide their
appealed claim. Last May, a three-judge panel agreed that the
long delays violated the constitutional rights of veterans with
mental health issues and ordered the VA to change the way it
handles claims, asserting in strong language that they are too
often “mooted by death.” But the court vacated that decision
and held a second hearing before the full panel last month.
A decision is pending.
primarily responsible for meeting the health care needs of
vulnerable patients. The VHA in recent years has made
improving mental health care for veterans an institutional
priority, implementing a five-year Mental Health Strategic
Plan in 2004 to expand and improve mental health care.
The agency increased mental health funding by $1.4 billion
annually between FY 2005 and FY 2008. A comprehensive
study released last year by the Rand Corp., sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, assessed whether the
VHA was maximizing its efforts to treat veterans with mental
health and substance abuse disorders, concluded that services
provided were “generally as good or better than care delivered
by private plans’’ and that most veterans surveyed expressed
satisfaction with the VA’s care. The team determined that the
VA maintained a higher level of performance in addressing
mental health issues than private providers in seven out of
nine major indicators. The VA’s performance, for instance,
exceeded private-plan performance in treatments utilizing
medications and laboratory testing. The only areas in which
the VA trailed private plans involved substance use disorder
treatment initiation and treatment engagement.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)., chairman of the Senate Veterans
Affairs Committee, said she is aware of at least 13 instances
in which veterans committed suicide or died from drug
overdoses while awaiting help from the VA. “We do not
need the courts to tell us that much more can and should
be done to relieve the invisible wounds of war,” Murray said.
“Although some steps have been taken, the stigma against
mental health issues continues within the military, and VA
care is still often too difficult to access. This has had a tragic
impact.” On 6 DEC Murray and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC),
ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee,
sent a letter to George J. Opfer, inspector general in the
Department of Veterans Affairs, asking him to launch
an investigation into the mental health care wait times.
“Especially at a time when we are seeing record suicides
among our veterans, we need to meet the veteran’s desire for
care with the immediate assurance that it will be provided
and provided quickly,’’ Murray said. “We cannot afford to
leave them discouraged that they can’t find an appointment.
We cannot leave them frustrated. We cannot let them down.
We need to fix this now.’’
That doesn’t mean all is well. According to the Rand report,
the agency doesn’t meet its own performance guidelines. In
particular, the number of veterans receiving and benefiting
from evidence-based practices — generally the application
of scientific research findings to the treatment of individual
patients — was below the capacity of VA facilities to deliver
such care. Regardless, most veterans expressed satisfaction
with VA services. Using a 10-point scale on which zero
represented the least satisfaction and 10 represented the
greatest, 42 percent of veterans rated VA mental health care
at 9 or 10. About three-quarters of veterans reported being
helped by counseling or treatment received in the previous
12 months. Yet, despite the favorable impression of care,
only 32 percent of veterans perceived improvement in their
problems or symptoms. Paul Sullivan, Executive Director of
Veterans for Common Sense, insisted the VA must do more
to monitor negative post-deployment outcomes, such as
homelessness, suicides, divorce and crime.
[Source: Evansville Courier & Press Bill Straub article 7 JAN
2012 ++]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a unit within
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is the agency
10
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (CONTINUED)
VA Prostate Cancer Program Update 11: Prostate cancer
screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) afforded no
obvious prostate cancer mortality benefit during 13 years
of follow-up in a large randomized trial. In fact, screened
patients had a slightly higher prostate cancer mortality: 3.7
per 10,000 person-years, versus 3.4 for unscreened men. The
results emphasize the need to find some means to identify
patients who are most likely to benefit from PSA screening,
said the first author of a report in the January issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. “Routine mass
screening of the population, purely on the basis of a man’s
age, is not going to be an effective way of reducing his
chance of dying of prostate cancer,” Gerald Andriole, MD,
of Washington University in St. Louis, told MedPage Today.
“Having said that, that’s not to say that no man should get
PSA testing,” he continued. “There are subsets of men in
the population at large who do seem to stand a good chance
of benefiting from PSA testing. “Those are men who are
young, with no comorbidities, and generally very healthy.
These are men with the longest life expectancy overall.
They are men who, even if they harbor a nonaggressive,
slow-growing cancer, are nonetheless expected to live long
enough to die of prostate cancer in the absence of it being
identified and treated.” Screening also is reasonable for men
who have an above-average risk of prostate cancer, such as
African Americans and men with a strong family history of
the disease, Andriole added.
of 13 years, cancer incidence was 108.4 and 97.1 per 10,000
in the screened and unscreened groups, respectively. The
difference represented a statistically significant 12% increase
in cancer incidence in the screened group (RR 1.12, 95% CI
1.07 to 1.17). Mortality was 3.7 and 3.4 per 10,000 with and
without screening, respectively, a nonsignificant difference.
“This article updates with more person-years of follow-up
our previously reported finding of no reduction in mortality
from prostate cancer in the intervention arm compared with
the control arm to 10 years, with no indication of a reduction
in prostate cancer mortality to 13 years,” the authors wrote
of their findings.
Responding to the study, Otis W. Brawley, MD, chief medical
officer of the American Cancer Society, acknowledged that
the results are consistent with other studies that have pointed
to a potential harm from overscreening and unnecessary
treatment of indolent prostate cancer. “This trial does suggest
that if there is truly an advantage to mass [PSA] screening it
is small,” Brawley said in a statement. Even so, the results
do not rule out the possibility of a benefit in some high-risk
men or the value of PSA screening in men who want the
test, he added. “I truly believe that a man who is concerned
about prostate cancer and understands that experts are not
certain that screening saves lives, but it definitely causes
anxiety and needless treatment, can reasonably choose to
be screened,” said Brawley. “A man who is more concerned
with unnecessary diagnosis and treatment might reasonably
choose not to be screened. It is an area that needs to be left
to an informed patient.”
The data offered nothing to change the conclusions of an
earlier analysis of data from the same study, the National
Institutes of Health-sponsored Prostate, Lung, Colorectal,
and Ovarian (PLCO) screening program. After a median
follow-up of seven years (up to as long as 10 years) the
screened and unscreened groups had a similar prostate
cancer mortality. The prostate cancer portion of PLCO
involved 76,685 men who were ages 55 to 74 and cancerfree at enrollment. Study participants were randomized to
annual PSA screening for six years or to usual care, which
sometimes included “opportunistic” PSA screening. The
initial report from the study showed a prostate cancer rate of
116 per 10,000 in the screened group compared with 95 per
10,000 in the control group. Prostate cancer mortality was 2
per 10,000 with screening and 1.7 per 10,000 in the control
group. The current report showed that after a median follow-up
[Source: MedPage Today Charles Bankhead article 6 Jan
2011 ++]
11
HEALTH ISSUES
DISCLAIMER
DISCLAIMER: The following articles dealing with health issues that concern or could concern our members are presented
for your information and should not be construed as an endorsement of any of the treatments, medications or procedures
outlined herein. It should be understood that there are new medications and treatments being developed that are largely
untested, and though they show promise in the treatment of a given illness or condition, they may not be effective or safe
for all individuals.
TSGLI Payments Will Be Made
for Qualifying Injuries
National Guard and Reserve members who were injured
during the retroactive period and suffered a qualifying loss
are also eligible for a TSGLI payment, even if the cause was
not related to military service, such as a civilian automobile
accident or severe injury which occurred while working
around their home.
WASHINGTON (September 16, 2011) The Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to
Service Members who suffered qualifying injuries during
the period Oct 7, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the
geographic location where the injuries occurred.
National Guard and Reserve members make up more than 40
percent of the total force which has been deployed since 9-11.
Those who are no longer in the National Guard or Reserves
can also apply as long as their injury occurred while they were
in service.
“Now all of our nation’s Service Members who suffered severe
traumatic injuries while serving their country can receive the
same traumatic injury benefits, regardless of where their injury
occurred,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
“We at VA appreciate the efforts of Congress and the President
to improve benefits for our troops.”
“I am extremely pleased that these total force warriors who
defend our freedoms are getting the recognition and benefits
they have rightfully earned in service to our nation,” added
Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.
Effective Oct. 1, the Service Members’ Group Life Insurance
(SGLI) Traumatic Injury Protection benefit, known as TSGLI,
will be payable for all qualifying injuries incurred during this
period. This retroactive benefit is payable whether or not the
Service Member had SGLI coverage at the time of the injury.
VA is working with the Department of Defense to publicize
this change in the TSGLI law. Additionally, all of the branches
of service are identifying any claims previously denied because
the injury was not incurred in OEF/OIF and reaching out to
those individuals.
The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2010, passed by
Congress and signed by President Obama in October of 2010,
removes the requirement that injuries during this period be
incurred in Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom (OEF/
OIF). This is welcome news for the many Service Members
who suffered serious traumatic injuries while serving stateside
or in other areas outside of OEF/OIF during this time period,
but until now have not been eligible for TSGLI.
Although applications are currently being accepted by branch
of service TSGLI offices, benefits will not be paid until Oct. 1,
2011, the effective date of the law.
For more information or to apply for a TSGLI payment,
Service Members and Veterans should go to: http://www.
insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm or contact their
branch of service TSGLI Office (contact information available
at above link).
TSGLI provides a payment ranging from $25,000 to $100,000
to Service Members sustaining certain severe traumatic injuries
resulting in a range of losses, including amputations; limb
salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, hearing or speech; facial
reconstruction; 15-day continuous hospitalization; coma; and
loss of activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury or
other traumatic injuries.
Nasal Insulin Spray Shows Promise
in Treatment of Alzheimer’s
WASHINGTON (September 13, 2011) - A small pilot study
led by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researcher
found that a nasal insulin spray improved memory, thinking
12
HEALTH ISSUES (CONTINUED)
skills, and functional ability in people with mild cognitive
impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
as increased insulin levels throughout the whole body. The
trial included 104 adults with either amnestic mild cognitive
impairment-in which people have memory loss that may
progress to Alzheimer’s-or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Currently, there are no effective treatments to delay or prevent
Alzheimer’s.
The study volunteers received 20 international units (IU)
of insulin, 40 IU of insulin, or a saline placebo, which were
all given through a nasal delivery device for four months.
Memory, cognition and functional ability were measured
before and after treatment. Some participants also received
spinal taps to test cerebrospinal fluid as well as brain scans
before and after treatment. Treatment with 20 IU of intranasal
insulin improved memory, and both doses of insulin preserved
general cognition and functional ability. These results warrant
larger trials of insulin nasal-spray therapy to help prevent
Alzheimer’s disease or slow its progression.
“This research builds on several years of preliminary work by
an innovative group of VA investigators and their colleagues,
and we are gratified to see the progress that is being made
on behalf of Veterans and all Americans who are at risk for
Alzheimer’s disease,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr.
Robert Petzel.
A VA team with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical
Center at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System led the trial,
which was sponsored in large part by the National Institute on
Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The
new findings appear in the Sept. 12 Archives of Neurology.
Previous studies found that low brain levels of insulin-the main
hormone that turns sugar in the bloodstream into energy for
cells-could contribute to Alzheimer’s. Based on these findings,
VA’s Dr. Suzanne Craft has led efforts to test the benefits of
restoring normal insulin function in the brain.
VA Chief Research and Development Officer Dr. Joel
Kupersmith stated, “VA researchers are exploring a number
of possible approaches to help prevent or effectively treat this
devastating disease, and these are among the most promising
results to date. We are proud to partner with NIH in supporting
this vital work.”
The new study tested a nasal spray that delivers insulin quickly
and directly to the brain, with no harmful side effects, such
For more information on VA research, visit www.research.va.gov.
DID YOU EARN THIS
BY SERVING IN THE
REPUBLIC
OF VIETNAM?
VIETNAM VETERANS EXPOSED
TO HERBICIDES DO NOT HAVE TO
PROVE A CONNECTION BETWEEN
THEIR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
AND MILITARY SERVICE TO BE
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE VA BENEFITS.
W H AT I S I S C H E M I C
HEART DISEASE?
Have You Been
Diagnosed With
Ischemic Hear t
Disease?
Ischemic heart
disease involves a
reduction of blood
flow and oxygen to
the heart; this results
in the heart muscle
not getting enough blood and oxygen.
Usually there is a buildup of cholesterol
and other substances, called plaque, in
the arteries that bring oxygenated blood
to the heart muscle. Over time ischemic
heart disease damages and weakens the
heart muscle, making it difficult for the
heart to fill and pump blood to the rest
of the body.
Ischemic heart disease is a common
cause of congestive heart failure. People
with this condition may, at one time,
have had a heart attack, angina (chest
pain), or unstable angina (sudden and
increasingly worsening chest pain).
Some people may not have noticed any
previous symptoms.
Vietnam Veterans of America
8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-585-4000
vva.org
FEBRUARY 2011
13
IF YES, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS HAVE
DETERMINED YOUR ISCHEMIC
HEART DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED
WITH EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE
OR OTHER HERBICIDES DURING YOUR
MILITARY SERVICE.
HEALTH ISSUES (CONTINUED)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
T R E ATM E N T
Chest pain behind the breastbone
or slightly to the left of it. It may
feel like heavy pressure, squeezing,
or crushing pain. The pain may
spread to the neck, jaw, back,
shoulder, or arm
Dizziness or light headedness
Feeling of indigestion or heartburn
Nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats
Sensation of feeling the heart beat
Shortness of breath
Unexplained tiredness after activity
(more common in women)
Coughing that results in severe
chest pain
D I AG N O S T I C T E S T I N G
Physical exam
Blood chemistry panel
CBC, sedimentation rate
VDRL test
Chest x-ray
EKG
Creatine kinase
Cardiac catherization
MRA
MEDICATIONS
LIFE-STYLE CHANGES
s
s
Quit smoking
s
Eat healthy (low fat, salt-free foods; and
reduce alcohol intake)
s
Begin exercise (when stable) to improve
blood flow
s
ACE inhibitors: a group of drugs that are
used primarily to treat high blood pressure
and congestive heart failure
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): a
group of drugs used to control high blood
pressure, treat heart failure, and prevent
kidney failure
s
Diuretics: any drug that increases/elevates
the rate of urination
s
Digitalis glycosides: a heart stimulant used
to treat congestive heart failure that cannot
be controlled by other medications
s
Beta-blockers: a class of drugs used
for various heart conditions, including
protection after a heart attack by reducing
the effects of adrenaline and other stress
hormones
s
Vasodilators: medications that open
(dilate) blood vessels
s
Anticoagulants: drugs that help prevent
the clotting (coagulation) of blood; these
drugs tend to prevent new clots from
forming or an existing clot from enlarging,
but they don’t dissolve a blood clot.
OTHER OPTIONS
s
Angioplasty: a medical procedure used to
open blocked or narrowed coronary (heart)
arteries
s
Stent: a wire metal mesh tube used to prop
open an artery during angioplasty. When
the balloon is inflated, the stent expands,
locks in place and forms a scaffold. This
holds the artery open. The stent stays in the
artery permanently, holds it open, improves
blood flow to the heart muscle and relieves
symptoms (usually chest pain).
s
By-pass Surgery
HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF VETER ANS AFFAIRS
The VA is responsible for providing health care for this service-connected disease. Should you choose to
receive your health care elsewhere, VA will provide your medications, but the prescription will be re-written by a VA health-care provider. If your non-VA health provider completes the appropriate VA forms,
you are not required to have a VA compensation examination.
Contact your Veterans Service Officer to file a claim for service connection or use the Agent Orange Fast
Track Processing System at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOfasttrack/home.do For more information,
call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-877-222-8387.
Monthly compensation will be provided to you, once the VA has rated your disability.
NO TIME TO EVEN THINK
By Wayne Lund
Ranger teams are so proud and strong, their courage in any fight hides all fears,
Feeling a commitment to do what’s necessary, showing a lot of pride in their young years.
Never thinking of the dangers that await them each and
Every single day,
Being assigned their missions, they’re fully prepared as
they get underway.
While patrolling, if suddenly facing an enemy force these Rangers know what to do,
Putting out a heavy rate of fire, calling for support as they start running on through.
Being caught in the middle of an ambush, there’s no time to even think of fear,
As Rangers they automatically fight as trained until they’re finally in the clear.
These young Airborne Ranger fight as they’ve been trained, throwing all fears aside,
Knowing they faced a well trained enemy, by escaping from them they feel a lot of pride.
[email protected]
14
6 March 2011
FEATURE ARTICLES
75th Ranger Regiment Association Reunion
coincided with Ranger Rendezvous
A highlight of the banquet was the Native American Sacred
Pipe Ceremony conducted by Rangers.
Below are some of the thousands of “faces in the crowd” at
Ranger Rendezvous (top, then L to R) Ranger Leroy Petry,
recent Medal of Honor recipient; Ranger Gary Carpenter,
RHOF member and 1st Regimental CSM, with retired MG
Kenneth Leuer, RHOF member and president of the National
Ranger Memorial Foundation; Mandy Santiago, Gold Star
wife of Ranger Anibal Santiago, who died 7/18/10 from
injuries in Afghanistan; Ranger Mike Schlitz, injured by an
IED in Iraq in 2007; Ranger Karl Monger; Ranger Bill Spies,
a RHOF member; Ranger Steven Gawronski;
Ranger AJ Zeller; 1st Ranger BN secretary
Sheila Dudley with Ranger Richard “Dick”
Stewart Jr., a RHOF member; Ranger Ron
Hart; and WWII China-Burma-India veteran
George Ward.
Several speakers were featured during the banquet including
Ranger Rick Merritt, CSM of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Chester announced a few years ago that all Merrill’s Marauders
and WWII Rangers were given paid, life-time membership
in the association. Their banquet and registration fees were
waived for the 2011 reunion.
Seen below at the banquet are (seated) WWII Ranger Raymond
“Noel” Dye, a Ranger Hall of Fame inductee; (standing L-R)
Merrill’s Marauder Vincent Melillo, Ranger Walters, Marauder
Gabriel Kinney, Marauder Frank M. Breyer, Marauder medic
Rich Murch and Ranger Gary E. Dolan, a 2011 Ranger Hall
of Fame inductee. WWII Ranger Warren “Bing” Evans, at
age 93, drove from Indianapolis to Columbus but missed the
banquet. Marauder Bob Ketcham and his wife Betty started
driving from Florida to Columbus for the banquet, but health
issues forced them to return home.
The 75th Ranger Regiment
Association plans its reunions to
coincide with Ranger Rendezvous
so that its members can attend as
many events as possible during
the special week.
Linda Davis is honored for
30 years with Rangers
Founded in 1986, the 75th Ranger Regiment held its 2011
reunion at the Holiday lnn in Columbus, Ga. Many new
and former Ranger Hall of Fame inductees were present for
reunion activities and the final event, the July 30 banquet.
Linda C. Davis, executive secretary, 75th Ranger Regiment,
was recognized by outgoing regimental commander, COL
Michael “Erik” Kurilla for her 30 years of service to the
Regiment, longer than anyone has ever served. Her smile has
remained constant as seen in the three photos taken at various
points in her career.
John Chester (far right) announced
that after 11 years of service to the
association, he was stepping down as
president. The new president is Joe
Little (right.) Chester will continue
to edit “Patrolling Magazine.”
15
FEATURE ARTICLES (CONTINUED)
This is the picture of the 25th ID
LRRP guidon in Afghanistan.
The 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry
displays the 25th LRRPs Vietnam
Guidon. The Guidon is kept on
display for visiting Senior Staff
officers and the Secretary of the
Army was told why the guidon
was there. The Squadron CSM
got permission to place the
Vietnam Campaign ribbon on the
guidon Staff.
REMEMBERING SSG ROBERT
(PRUNES) PRUDEN
RECIPIENT OF THE
CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF
HONOR (POSTHUMOUS
other students. The Ranger Training Cadre separated our
large class into two major groups, primarily because our class
consisted of over 200 students due to the needs of combat
operations in Vietnam. In its infinite wisdom, the Army
concluded it needed more Rangers. We were told that our
class was perhaps one of the largest ever attempted. I don’t
know if that bit of information was true, but what does a 19
year old really know? In any event, our class was broken down
into “enlisted personnel” and “commissioned officers.” The
barracks I was assigned to was comprised mostly of enlisted
men with a small sprinkling of young 2LTs, most of whom
were West Point or ROTC graduates, either Infantry or other
assorted combat arms officers.
By: SSG Jesus (Chief ) Moncada, G Company, 75th Rangers
(Airborne), Americal Division
THE JOURNEY BEGINS IN GEORGIA
I reported to the US Army Ranger School at Ft Benning, GA
in early November 1968 at the ripe old age of 19 years. It was
bitterly cold even when the sun chose to pay us a short visit,
and I was questioning the wisdom of volunteering for Ranger
School during a winter training cycle. Ranger School was and
is divided into three phases – the Benning phase, the Mountain
Phase (Dahlonega, GA), and the Florida phase (the swamps at
Eglin AFB). All in all, Ranger School is 8 weeks of sheer hell!
I found an open bunk and wall locker in the barracks, stashed
my gear, and began to meet and greet the other students in the
immediate area, one of whom was Bob Pruden. Also in the
same barracks, I met David Smith, Arthur Scott, Roger Peet,
Bill Dickerson and others whose names I don’t remember. It
was in fact a prophetic meeting that day, because I would later
serve with Pruden, Smith, Scott, and Peet with G Company,
75th Rangers in Vietnam. Bill Dickerson ended up with the
173RD Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, who was killed in
Upon reporting to the orderly room about two days prior to
the start of our class, I was assigned to a barracks building in
the Harmony Church area at Ft Benning, along with many
16
ARRIVAL – “IN COUNTRY”
action on May 13, 1969 in Binh Dinh Province. Pruden was
quiet, friendly, and confident as I recall. We chatted as most
soldiers do about our families, our hometowns, schools, and
other friendly topics. Pruden was from Minnesota, Scott from
Georgia, Peet from Illinois, Dickerson from Arizona, and Smith
and I from California. Later that day and the next, because we
weren’t permitted to leave the area, we simply lounged around
the training area, ate at the mess hall, and slept.
I reported to a personnel-processing station at Cam Ranh Bay,
South Vietnam in early March 1969, where I received further
orders to the Americal Division (a Light Infantry Div of three
Brigades), whose HQ was in Chu Lai (I Corps). Within a day
or two of reporting to the Americal Division Replacement
Depot in Chu Lai, I unexpectedly ran into Pruden, Scotty, and
Smitty, all of whom had also been assigned to the Americal
Infantry Division. We were equally surprised and elated to
bump into each other again! We expressed our hopes that
somehow we might all end up in the same Infantry Battalion,
either the 11th, 96th, or 98th Bns of the Americal as squad
leaders or platoon sergeants, even though we knew it was
practically impossible to expect such luck or providence. We
were told to expect reassignment orders to a field unit within
the week. We attended various classes on recognizing booby
traps, studying the various areas of each Battalion, and other
topics, while awaiting orders. We also began to acclimate to
the extreme humidity and hot temperatures of Vietnam. One
particularly hot and sunny afternoon, we were walking by a
set of outdoor field bleachers on the way to the mess hall (me,
Prunes, Scotty, and Smitty). SGT Gary Gentry, a rather tall
and large Texan, and another unrecalled NCO were speaking
to soldiers sitting on the bleachers, describing and asking
for volunteers to a unit within the Americal Div who called
themselves LRRPs (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols).
Furthermore, this LRRP unit was less than 200 yards from the
replacement depot. Gentry went on to describe all the other
fine attributes, accomplishments, and advantages of being
a LRRP. Naturally, we were quite interested, because these
LRRPs operated in small teams deep behind enemy lines as
a recon asset to the division – this was very much in keeping
with our past Ranger training! What’s more, one could only
volunteer for the LRRPs – one could not be ordered to do so
– and they would accept only the best from the volunteers.
Me, Prunes, Scotty, and Smitty were standing off to the side of
the bleachers away from the main crowd. SGT Gentry glanced
towards us and noted our Ranger Tabs, after which he more or
less challenged us to become LRRPs. “Why not?” we said to
each other, it was worth investigating, as we all had previously
“volunteered” for what the average soldier would describe
as insane, crazy, or flat out stupid. Gentry sealed the deal by
telling us that if we followed him to the LRRP unit he would
buy us a beer in their club house/bar. Imagine that….bribery
with a simple beer! I wonder how often that actually worked
as a ploy? Needless to say, we followed Gentry and the other
NCO to the LRRP Company area, which we later found to be
E Co, 51st Inf LRRP (which would transition to G Co, 75th
Rangers by April or May 1969, a short period after our arrival).
The first event of Ranger School took place at about 2am when
the entire class was called to a mass formation for the purpose of
a 7-mile fun run. After this first event, I rarely saw Bob Pruden
again, as we were assigned a Ranger Buddy and placed into
separate platoons for the next 8 weeks. Arthur Scott (Scotty)
was my Ranger Buddy, and I don’t recall the name of Pruden’s
Ranger Buddy. I would occasionally have brief encounters
with Pruden and some of the others during the course of
Ranger School, during which we merely acknowledged that
we were lucky to still be in the course after each phase. By the
end of the Benning Phase our class was reduced by at least a
third, because of drop outs, injuries, and other training related
accidents. Our class graduated approximately 70 students, and
I recall shaking hands with Pruden at our graduation ceremony
in Florida. I did not expect to see Pruden or the others with
whom I graduated again, as we were to receive new orders.
We were all proud of our accomplishments, especially being
awarded the highly coveted black and gold US Army Ranger
Tab. Without question, Ranger School was the most difficult
thing I have ever done in my life. Along with developing
strong leadership skills, Ranger School involves prolonged
and sustained food and sleep deprivation, and extreme mental
and physical hardship. It taught me, Pruden, and the others
the qualities of perseverance, stamina, character, and more
importantly I believe, the means by which I could call up an
inner strength I thought was unreachable.
I received orders to attend Jump School (3 weeks) immediately
after Ranger School, still at Ft Benning, GA, which I also
completed. I was also fortunate that Scotty and David Smith
also attended the same jump school class with me. I did
not know where Pruden ended up after our Ranger School
graduation. After jump school I received orders for combat
in Vietnam, as did most of my friends, including Scotty and
Smitty. I visited my family in California for the few weeks of
leave prior to reporting to Ft Lewis, WA for further assignment
to Vietnam. Due to the nature of the Army and the confusing
manner in which it reassigns soldiers, I did not expect to run
into old friends ever again.
17
time. We also took advantage of the down time by visiting
the company supply room to pick out our ruck sacks, web
gear, and other tools of the trade. We paid a special visit to
the company armory and selected our individual weapons,
which we inspected and cleaned thoroughly. In the company
area, we ran into a Special Forces trained field medic who was
assigned to the company, whom we simply called “Doc”. Doc,
who sported a sharp looking handle bar mustache, examined
our inoculation records to ensure we had all the proper boxes
checked off, and who issued us our individual “survival kits”.
Doc carefully went through the survival kits with us, showing
us what they contained, how to use them, and explained that
they would come in handy if we ever found ourselves in an
“Escape & Evasion” situation in the bush. Doc had to personally
witness our signing for these survival kits, as each contained
pharmaceutical drugs, such as morphine and amphetamine.
He also explained that he was required to inspect them from
time to time to ensure we weren’t using the drugs for personal
use. Doc had been “in country” for some time, even a previous
tour with Special Forces teams, and he informed us that he
would also accompany LRRP teams on missions as needed –
especially those missions where friendly casualties were likely
or expected. Nice to be wanted or needed!
Each of us was interviewed separately by 1SG Clifford Manning
and then by the Commanding Officer (CPT McWilliams) in
their orderly room. Next to the orderly room was a sturdy
and tall wooden rappel tower, which added to the allure and
mystique. After the interviews we cashed in on those beers that
Gentry had promised us in the LRRP/Ranger bar under the
orderly room. Yes, we were impressed, and we were excited
about the opportunity to serve with the LRRPS, even though
we recognized the inherent dangers, which were exponentially
increased by going deep into the mountainous jungles with
nothing more than a 6-man team. But we justified all this with
the knowledge that goes something like this: “This is exactly
what LRRPS/Rangers are supposed to do!” While we were
enjoying our beers and speaking with a few of the LRRPs who
wandered into the bar, we received news that CPT McWilliams
had accepted each of us, and that we were to return to the
Replacement Depot to await new orders assigning us to the
LRRPs. We were also told that we would not be required to
attend the mandatory Recondo School training on site, because
we had previously attended Ranger School stateside – good
news indeed! What truly struck me and the rest of our small
group of “Stateside Rangers” was this simple fact: What are
the chances of having been in Ranger School in Georgia, then
being separated by official orders, then running into each other
in Chu Lai, Vietnam months later, and finally, being assigned
to the same combat unit – a LRRP/Ranger unit no less!?
OUR ROOKIE MISSION
As luck would have it, on one particular day before being
assigned to a team, I got stuck with pulling CQ (Charge of
Quarters) in the orderly room – that meant an all nighter
(no beer, no free time……what a drag!). But after all………
what else could the Army do……send me to Vietnam? At
approximately 0500 or 0600 hours the next morning of my
CQ duty (after the all nighter), Smitty barged into the orderly
room to announce that he, Prunes, and Scotty were going on a
hastily assembled combat mission into the bush to attempt to
locate an NVA or VC base camp deep in the mountains west
of Chu Lai. The Team Leader was to be SSG Henry Tabalno,
while his Asst Tm Ldr was a SSG Jose Velasquez, both of whom
were squared away and had pulled many missions with the
LRRPs. Supposedly, the intelligence reports were rock solid.
Tabalno was short one man for the mission, and he sent Smitty
to the orderly room to ask if I would consider joining the team.
My response was automatic – I was not going to be left out
of the picture. We were friends who knew each other back in
Ranger School and Jump School, arrived “in country” together,
and I was definitely going to be a part of this party! Smitty
advised me that insertion into the bush was about 2 hours
away, that if I was going in with them, I was to hustle to get
my weapon/ammo, food, gear, etc. together right away. Or, in
Ranger parlance, “Get your shit together asap!” I was relieved
OFFICIAL ORDERS TO THE LRRP/
RANGER COMPANY
Within three or four days we each received orders to report
to E/51st LRRPS, which really upset a few of the folks at the
Replacement Depot, because the Americal Infantry Bns had
effectively lost four new Ranger NCOs. When the four of us
reported with our gear, we were assigned to a hooch in the
company area near a mess hall we shared with an aviation Bn.
We were informed to await assignment to an LRRP/Ranger
Team, with whom we would operate for an undetermined
period of time. The conditions were explained that each of us
(Prunes, Smitty, Scotty, and myself ) would eventually become
Team Leaders of our own teams, once we had proven our
leadership skills in the bush. We were to go out on combat
missions with proven LRRP Team Leaders who would assess
our abilities under duress and actual combat conditions.
Those proven leaders would in essence report our progress (or
lack thereof ) to CPT McWilliams for his determination. For
a day or two we roamed around the company area, observing
a bit of the training that was underway with the current
Recondo School class, and learned as much as possible from
other LRRP/Ranger soldiers who were not in the bush at the
18
from CQ duties, and quickly began to get my shit together, and
I had just enough time to receive the intel briefing and to “zero
my weapon” minutes before we made our way to the Americal
Div helipad for insertion. SSG Tabalno was a bit apprehensive,
in that he was leading four new and unproven Rangers on their
very first mission. I began to appreciate his concerns more so
when he asked me if I was rested enough to go on the mission,
given my all night CQ duties, and that he expected some sort
of combat action (contact) based on the intel reports. Tabalno
went on to remind us that we were being inserted by helicopter
on top of a long ridgeline situated on a steep mountain close to
a suspected enemy base camp. Me, Prunes, Scotty, and Smitty
assured Tabalno that we were prepared and would follow his
lead. Tabalno assigned Smitty to walk point, and that I would
walk “6 o’clock” (last man on the team watching our back
door). Tabalno would walk behind Smitty, and Prunes, Scotty,
and Velasquez would fill in the middle of the patrol file.
skid and jumped ahead of the team, disappearing into the
elephant grass. The rest of us did the same, while Velasquez
was the last to jump off the skid. When I hit the ground
with full combat load and weapon, it was a literal “crash and
burn” into the hard ground, which almost jarred my teeth
loose. Within seconds, the helicopter was off and away, while
we were left on the ground gathering ourselves to carry out
the mission. Once the helicopter could no longer be heard, I
heard a voice calling for help, but not in an excited and out
of control fashion. It was sort of a “quiet call for help.” I low
crawled toward the sound, and within 10 to 20 ft from my
landing location, I found a “Punji Pit”. A punji pit is a rather
deep hole (about 6 to 9 feet deep and wide enough for a
man to fill into) with many sharpened bamboo poles sticking
straight upward. It was Smitty! Smitty had jumped off the
skid of the bird straight into this punji pit. He was standing
upright in the pit with a bamboo pole impaling the right
side of his face and another that had impaled his rucksack
and gear. However, Smitty was not in panic mode, much to
his credit, as evidenced by his request that someone should
take a photograph of his situation while he was impaled by
a punji stake. Tabalno and I carefully climbed into the punji
pit, while the others fanned out to secure the immediate area.
I found Smitty’s camera in his cargo pocket and snapped off a
few quick photos, particularly of the stake that somehow and
miraculously missed vital parts of his head (it nicked his jaw
line and entered the fleshy part of his cheek exiting just below
his eye). Tabalno cut the stake off just below his jaw line and
we placed a hasty field dressing on one side of his face. In the
meantime, Velasquez (the ATL) had radioed in the situation,
and we soon heard a medevac helicopter approaching. Again,
because the helicopter could not land on the uneven ground,
we hoisted Smitty and his gear up to the skid of the bird,
where he was assisted into the bird and off they flew. We spent
a few minutes re-distributing the ammo and hand grenades
we had taken from Smitty among ourselves.
THE INSERTION
The helicopter that would insert us into the bush landed on the
Div helipad at approximately 0800, and it was all ready hotter
than hell! Our LRRP/Ranger Team climbed into the bird,
and I sat next to Pruden. While we were in the air heading to
the insertion point, Pruden and I helped each other with our
“face paint” (camouflage coloring) and we kept nodding to
each other that all would be fine. Smitty and Scotty did the
same, while Tabalno and Velasquez made sure the pilot got us
to the proper insertion point.
By this time I was beginning to feel a bit sleepy, but the
excitement and adrenalin of this first combat mission was
enough to keep me primed and awake. We – the four rookie
Rangers – were determined to prove that we were good enough
to be LRRPs, that all other LRRPs/Rangers in the company
could count on us, that we belonged. We had something to
prove – and we certainly proved it later that day!
THE MISSION
As the helicopter began to descend toward the ridgeline,
Tabalno gave the command to lock and load weapons and
to prepare to exit the bird from the right side open doorway.
Suddenly, the helicopter stopped descending and established
a hover about 20 to 25 feet above the ground. We all looked
out and down, noting that the ground was an uneven
slope with tall elephant grass. The elephant grass was thick
and flowing to and fro from the “blade wash”, and it was
impossible to really see the actual ground. The pilot indicated
he was not willing to risk taking the helicopter any lower, and
yelling over his shoulder that we would have to jump off the
skid from the current height. Tabalno took a position on the
Needless to say, we spent much more time in the insertion
LZ area than we should have because of Smitty’s injury. Also,
those helicopters made a shit load of noise…not once, but
twice! Unnecessary noise for a LRRP/Ranger team normally
produces bad and unwanted results – even we rookies
understood that much after all. As we were preparing to move
out and up the ridgeline, Tabalno directed me to “walk point”,
since that would have been Smitty’s role in the patrol. As we
patrolled quietly up the slope in single file, it seemed we would
never get past that damned tall elephant grass, which was
efficiently slicing the hell out of my exposed arms and face,
19
MAGUIRE RIG EXTRACTION
and which would not allow me to see more than a few feet
in front of my position. We patrolled past several well-used
trails, but avoided them as much as possible. Within one or
two hours of patrolling, we heard a single shot that came from
our left. Tabalno halted the patrol for about a minute while
we quietly listened for other sounds. Tabalno whispered to all
of us that it was probably “a marker round” shot from an AK47 by an NVA trail watcher. Not hearing anything else, we
moved out again, heading higher up the widening ridgeline.
About 30 to 45 minutes later we heard a second shot from
another AK-47 - this time it had come from our right side.
Rather than stopping again, Tabalno slid past me and began
walking point, whispering to all of us to be more alert and that
we would quicken our pace. Thankfully, about 10 minutes
later we entered a thick, double canopied jungle, leaving the
elephant grass behind, as we continued patrolling higher into
the mountainous area that surrounded us.
Approximately one to two hours later, Tabalno and Velasquez
returned together to our position. Yes, we heard their quiet
approach due to our vigilance (and fear), and we properly
challenged them with the running password of the day as
they approached. Tabalno quickly and quietly explained the
current tactical situation to Scotty, Pruden, and myself. First,
while they were out on their recon, they established that we
were very close to an active NVA base camp (size unknown).
Secondly, the NVA probably knew or suspected that a small
LRRP/Ranger team was earlier inserted into the area, given
the single shot “marker rounds” we heard earlier. Thirdly,
while avoiding detection, Tabalno and Velasquez spotted
several NVA teams combing through our general area in
search of that LRRP/Ranger team. Yep…..that would be us!!
Tabalno also added that the NVA were close by, and getting
closer by the minute. Finally, and the most frightening, was
that Tabalno had informed our TOC in Chu Lai the same
tactical assessment, and requested an immediate helicopter
extraction while we still had daylight hours. That helicopter
extraction would be via a “Maguire Rig Extraction”, and that
because the helicopter was enroute, we had to prepare for that
extraction right away. We three rookies explained to Tabalno
that we had never heard of a Maguire Rig Extraction, and
therefore, we had no idea what the hell he was talking about!
Tabalno and Velasquez were literally dumbfounded, given the
looks on their faces. [For the uninitiated, a Maguire Rig is a
device secured to the floor of a helicopter with six separate
150-foot lengths of rope that are anchored to that same device,
and which are dropped from the helicopter to the ground via
weighted sand bags. Once on the ground, a LRRP/Ranger
straps into his rope line with an army Swiss seat and other
gear, after which the helicopter lifts the entire team up and
out through the trees. Three ropes go out each door of the
helicopter for balance and weight distribution. A Special Forces
officer in Vietnam, whose last name was Maguire, invented
the entire contraption. Needless to say, this new technique
had not been mentioned, introduced, or practiced in the good
ole US Army Ranger School back in Georgia!] Tabalno and
Velasquez simply informed us to follow their lead, to do as
they do, and not to worry. Right…….no worries……what
other problems could possibly happen to us on this day…..
our rookie mission!!
At about 1400 hrs we stopped for a break in an area that
provided good cover & concealment. We had a quick snack of
“John Wayne candy bars” and crackers & cheese and rested for
a few minutes. Tabalno and Velasquez quietly whispered their
concerns to me, Pruden, and Scotty – that we could have been
spotted by NVA trail watchers, given the marker rounds heard
earlier, and if true, our trail through the elephant grass was not
difficult to pick out if the NVA had begun searching. Tabalno
then informed me, Pruden, and Scotty to set up a defensible
position, that he and Velasquez were departing our position in
separate directions to recon the immediate area. That seemed to
make plenty of sense until we learned they were taking the two
PRC-25 radios with them, so that they could communicate
between themselves and our Tactical Operations Center
(TOC) in Chu Lai. In other words, we three rookies would be
on our own for an undetermined period of time, and without
the means to communicate! Naturally, this scared the crap out
of us…….but we were Rangers, and we didn’t have a choice in
the matter in any event. Off they went in separate directions,
as quietly as only LRRPS/Rangers can do. Scotty, Pruden, and
I set up our individual positions and waited. Because I had not
slept the night before, and because of the heat and fatigue of
patrolling up a steep ridge line all day, I found myself dozing
off while lying on the jungle floor. Scotty and Pruden were
required to squeeze my arm or shoulder to keep me awake
several times, which was made possible because we were lying
and facing outward in a tight circle, within arms reach of each
other. It was unbelievably hot, quiet, and boring as hell, with
plenty of time to wonder if I had made the right decisions
about volunteering for all this shit!
“HOT” EXTRACTION
Pruden and I were situated facing down slope in our position,
while the rest were facing outward to cover their sectors. At
the same moment, Pruden and I saw four to six NVA soldiers
advancing toward us from lower ground, who were about 30
20
to 50 meters away. We were taking aim toward them, when
suddenly and without warning, Tabalno or Velasquez began
firing his weapon outward. The shit had definitely hit the
fan…we were compromised! Pruden and I simultaneously
sent out a full automatic burst toward the advancing NVA
we had in our sights, dropping all or most of them. It was
sheer controlled chaos…..aim, shoot……reload……aim
and shoot again. I even had the presence of mind to throw
a few fragmentation grenades. Somehow we maintained fire
superiority and held the upper hand for a few minutes. Tabalno
then yelled out that we had to move to another area with fewer
trees to allow for easier Maguire Rig extraction. To a LRRP/
Ranger in a fire fight this was pure madness…..moving to a
more open area equals being in an exposed area that increases
your chances of getting your ass shot full of holes. This was
becoming increasingly insane rather quickly!
that the rest of our team was doing the same once they were
tied into their ropes. Tabalno looked at me and the rest of
us to give him a “thumbs up” that we were securely tied in.
At last, Tabalno gave the signal to the pilot that we were set
for extraction. What a ride……..we were yanked violently
upward and somewhat diagonally through the trees, while
being slammed, poked, and abused by seemingly every branch
on the way up! Within seconds, we were clear of the trees
and in open air, speeding away from the NVA soldiers who
were still shooting at us and the helicopter. As we spun in the
air 150 feet below the helicopter, we had to concentrate on
holding onto each other to prevent us from slamming into
one another on our individual lines. We rode attached to those
rope lines the entire trip back to Chu Lai, which was pretty
damned amazing! I remember whooping and yelling for a bit,
along with the rest of the team, celebrating our improbable
escape and the fact that not one of us had been even slightly
wounded. What kind of odds would a Las Vegas bookie give
on those circumstances? What was equally amazing was that
the trip back to Chu Lai took about 20 to 30 minutes; the
air was clear and much cooler than on the ground; and the
sun was setting over the mountain range in the west, from
where we had just cheated death. What a paradox – a beautiful
sunset amidst all this killing and violence! This was being a
LRRP/Ranger in action!!!!!!
Tabalno began running and shooting controlled bursts toward
slightly higher ground, which prompted the rest of us to
follow him, with Velasquez covering our movement with short
bursts from his CAR-15. Somehow, the five of us made it to a
more open area about 100 meters from our original position,
but still double canopy jungle. It seemed that the NVA were
closing in on us from at least two separate approaches, and
possibly from three. We still held the higher ground however,
a definite advantage. We were huddling behind trees, rocks, or
anything that provided cover & concealment while shooting,
but we still had plenty of ammo, although I was running
short on frag grenades. I was beginning to wonder if my first
mission would be my one and only mission. In the chaos and
focus of the firefight I never heard our helicopters arrival, until
Tabalno threw out a smoke grenade (I don’t remember the
color of smoke) to identify our position for the pilot. I looked
up and saw the bird through the trees holding a steady hover,
and the ropes being dropped with the heavy sand bags. Cobra
gunships were effectively shooting their mini-guns all around
us, giving us just enough time to concentrate on wrapping our
Swiss seats around us and waiting for Tabalno’s order to tie in
to one of the dropped rope lines. The arrival of the extraction
helicopter also provided a sort of reprieve from being shot
at by the NVA, as they began to focus their weapons fire on
the helicopter. It suddenly dawned on me and the rest of us
that if the NVA were able to bring down the helicopter while
it was hovering, they would win on all fronts – they would
have a LRRP/Ranger Team surrounded on the ground, and
a downed helicopter in the same battle. We followed Tabalno
and Velasquez’s lead of tying into the individual rope lines.
When I was satisfied with my rig set up, I began to acquire
and to shoot as many NVA soldiers as I could see. We had
to prevent them from shooting down the helicopter. I saw
DEBRIEFING AND COOLING DOWN
When the helicopter gently brought us down in the Americal
Div helipad field, we were met by Smitty (sporting a clean
half-face bandage), the 1SG, and Pappy Rutherford (Opns
NCOIC). Tabalno and Velasquez were immediately taken to
the Division Intel section for debriefing, while Scotty, Pruden,
and I were taken to our company area. While on the short drive
to our company area, Smitty and Pappy Rutherford produced
a few beers on ice in the back of our deuce and half truck for
our pleasure. Those were some wonderfully cold and delicious
beers! As you can imagine, Smitty was a bit pissed off because
he had missed the entire party through no fault of his own. It
was just his bad luck that he jumped off the skid and landed
in a punji pit. It was more than a little funny when Smitty
commented that it would probably be a good idea if we all had
some real Maguire Rig training before the next mission.
After cleaning weapons, cleaning and stowing our gear, and
taking a nice hot shower, we all met in the LRRP/Ranger
Clubhouse (below our orderly room). All other personnel
who were present and merrily drinking cold beers wanted to
hear the details of our mission, including Smitty. There were
plenty of congratulations and back slapping that was directed
21
at Pruden, Scotty, and me but more importantly, that which
was evident was our acceptance of belonging with this group
of crazy assed LRRP/Rangers. The crucible of direct combat
had baptized us by fire on our first mission, we had survived,
and now we were laughing and joking about the entire affair.
Tabalno and Velasquez finally walked through the door of
the clubhouse, went to the bar and ordered cold beers for
themselves, Smitty, Pruden, Scotty, and I. We raised our beers
high, following Tabalno’s lead, while he looked at all of us and
said, “You did good - welcome to the Nam!” Later that night
in our clubhouse, Tabalno told me all of our missions were
not like what we had just experienced, but that many were
just as crazy or crazier. While talking with Pruden, Smitty, and
Scotty, we were keenly aware that although we had been in
Vietnam for only about two weeks, we still had a hell of a long
way to go to complete our one-year tour. We also realized that
we would not want to spend that year with any other group
of soldiers. We were happy to be in the company of LRRPs
and Rangers, soldiers who trusted each other, who helped each
other without hesitation, and soldiers who were unafraid to
face the most difficult of combat situations, even those who
had never heard of a Maguire Rig!
On 20 November 1969, SSG Robert Pruden (Ranger Team
Leader) was establishing an ambush position in the mountains
West of Duc Pho, Vietnam. While doing so, NVA soldiers came
upon Prunes and his team and engaged his team with small
arms fire. Without regard for his personal safety, SSG Pruden
stood and advanced toward the NVA soldiers, engaging the
enemy with all that he had. SSG Pruden was gravely injured
several times while he advanced toward the enemy, but he rose
twice so as to continue his advance, until he killed enough of the
enemy force to cause them to disengage. SSG Pruden died of his
multiple wounds that day, but his heroic actions saved the lives
of his Ranger teammates, whom he deeply cared for. As a result
of his heroism, SSG Robert Pruden, a friend to me and all other
Rangers who knew him, was awarded the Congressional Medal
of Honor (Posthumously). I often think of the quietly confident
Ranger from Minnesota… and I miss him.
FOOTNOTES
On 12 May 1969, SGT Arthur Scott (Scotty) was a Ranger
Team member assigned to conduct Ranger operations out of
LZ Baldy (a Fire Support Base), near Chu Lai, Vietnam. While
on stand-down with his teammates on LZ Baldy, a significantly
large NVA force attacked and penetrated the wire and defenses of
the Ranger compound during darkness. SGT Scott, along with
his fellow Rangers, secured their weapons and ammo and began
to engage and to repel the NVA attackers. SGT Scott died that
night on LZ Baldy from mortal combat wounds. LZ Baldy was
repeatedly attacked for two consecutive nights after the initial
attack. Many other Rangers were wounded during the defense of
LZ Baldy. I was there. I often think of the quiet and unassuming
son of a Baptist Minister who read his Bible daily – my friend
and Ranger School Buddy, Scotty……and I miss him.
Early LRRP Operations in Europe –
Long Range Commo
training in either Morse Code or the proper use of antennas,
importance of location and the in-depth deployment of
mobile base stations to establish effective commo.
Bob T Murphy
[email protected]
VII Corps LRRPs probably came closest to solving those
endemic problems with their emphasis on training and their
constant use of the “Dit Pit”, their own in-house code training
facility.
Poor long range communications was the Achilles Heel of
LRRP operations in Europe in the 1960s.
It was a problem that was never solved in the Provisional
LRRP companies put together for Wintershield maneuvers
and in most LRRP detachments. There was simply not enough
Major Edward Hunt, VII Corps LRRP initial XO and eventual
CO placed a heavy emphasis on long range communications
22
and said, “It took as much as eight months of training for
LRRP personnel to become proficient at communications”.
He was in the early 504th LRRPs at Mainz where they used
both the AN/GRC-9 and the old OSS RS-6 radio. He recalls,
“The RS-6 was originally designed as an espionage radio – it’s
four components could be carried in the four pockets of a field
jacket. It would work on virtually any voltage and was a fine
little radio when you could plug that rascal in. With a hand
powered generator it was a sum-bitch. That little transmitter
would suck up some current and it took two men and a boy
to crank that bastard. We usually carried it as a back-up to the
AN/GRC-9 or if one happened to end up in kamerade’s farm
house during a Wintershield exercise”.
OSS veteran and founding CO of VII Corps LRRPs, Major
Ed Maltese encouraged commo proficiency by the threat of
hunger. His policy for FTXs was simple and effective. No
commo, no re-supply of equipment or rations.
Both original DA authorized LRRP Companies in Europe
had an advantage over provisional units in training and the
deployment of three commo vans spaced to maximise chances
of catching skip signals.
He said that the then new V Corps LRRP Company had
both AN/GRC-9s and the new AN/TRC-77s when he arrived
there.
Both companies had an outstanding cadre of communications
specialists including ham radio operators with extensive
knowledge of wave propagation and effective employment of
antennas, usually “doublets”(dipoles).
Bert Wiggins expertise was as broad as his GT score was high
and he developed the three digit code used by LRRPs which
consisted of groups of three numbers. “There was less chance
of errors with numbers,” Wiggins says.
Early LRRP units used AN/GRC-9 and RS-6 for patrol radios,
both of which required hand cranked generators to power for
their transmitters.
Early V Corps LRRP commo team chief Paul Tabolinsky
transferred in from the 14th Armored Cav by July 1961 and
found the company was still using the little four piece RS-6 as
well as the ubiquitous AN/GRC-9.
X 31 commo van
at Wildflecken in
1962. Photo from
Ron Dahle
Picture of an
operator in the
receive van.
V Corps LRRP commo god Bert Wiggins was a ham radio
operator copying 35 words per minute before he went into
the Army. His interests were theoretical as well as practical
and “Wave propagation was my baby”. “I always wanted to
play with antennas,” he added in an interview with this writer
in 2010. “It took a long time to figure out slant wires. They
worked better facing away from the base station. He and
commo team chief Ron Dahle made most of the doublet/
dipole antennas that became a near standard in V Corps
LRRPs for both the vans and patrol radios.
Early VII Corps LRRP Patrol Leader (and later 1st Sergeant
at V Corps LRRP Company) Bob Searcy recalls that when
he arrived at VII Corps LRRPs, “There was no equipment.
Nothing. Then we got two AN/GRC-9s for the whole
company, one for each Killer platoon.
It took awhile for the patrol commo equipment to get up to
speed with the introduction of the AN/TRC-77 CW radio
and the AN/PRC-25 FM voice radio (Former LRRP commo
team leader and retired SF CSM Ron Dahle points out that
the increased power and range of the PRC-25 itself increased
chances of detection of deployed patrols), but DA support for
LRRPs was evident in the top notch commo vans supplied to
both companies.
Ron Dahle
communicating
in a van with
V Corp LRRP
23
Commo Team Chief Paul Edwards (V Corps LRRP Co) spent
his entire LRRP tour in the same commo team with Bert
Wiggins and Russ Grazier.
Former commo team chiefs at V Corps agreed that the
company electronics maintenance shop was bad, so bad that
Ron Dahle used to regularly stop by the Signal Maintenance
Depot in Hanau and have his commo van equipment repaired
on the way to the field. “If you were deploying they would fix
you on the spot,” he recalls.
“There was absolutely great equipment in the vans,” he recalls.
“Brand new state-of-the-art at the time. Everything worked.
“For short range stuff we used a whip. Long range always
used doublets and we had several doublets in the van tuned
to specific frequencies. We trimmed them when we needed to.
The doublets were much more reliable than slant wires.
VII Corps LRRPs, with better technicians, sent one to the
field with every base station.
V Corps LRRPs never solved the repair problems on its
commo equipment during the time that Paul Edwards and
Ron Dahle were there.
“We used tree climbers (pole climbers with longer spurs) to get
antennas up in trees. Tabolinsky fell 40’ out of a tree putting
one up.
There was a further competency/motivation problem when
the V Corps LRRP Company got away from Murray and
Wiggins as team chiefs. Their successors were often installed
on the basis of rank and seniority rather than competency.
“We didn’t train at distances that would have occurred on war.
Used ground wave a lot, some skip.
The AN/TRC-77 served well as a patrol CW radio but in early
1967 the new AN PRC-74 appeared. It was fully transistorized
and slightly bigger than the AN TRC-77 but did not offer
split frequency capability. It was however used for voice
transmissions as well as CW and had the further advantage
of several different battery packs including one that could use
readily available military D cells. Both radios could power off
a standard car battery or any other 10 to 18 volt DC source
that could provide a sustained three amp current.
Picture of an operator
in the Transmiter van.
“We never used the receiver vans except for storage. Our vans
had one transmitter and two receivers E-195 T-368. They also
had an antenna tuner ME-165, Most guys bypassed it, but we
did have to use it with the whip antenna.”
One of the worst vulnerabilities of a long range patrol behind
Soviet lines was getting their positions compromised by radio
direction finders when transmitting. A partial solution was the
readily available GRA-71 Burst Encoder which could squirt
messages through at about 300 words per minute for recording
and subsequent slow playback by base stations.
Paul’s comment pinpoints one of the many differences in
commo practices between V and VII Corps LRRPs. VII Corps
LRRPs did use their receiver vans and positioned them up to a
kilometer away from the transmitter vans. They could transmit
from the receiver van when necessary via a field telephone wire
to the transmitter van.
The problem was that so much secrecy surrounded the burst
encoders which had been in use since the late 1950s that they
saw little use and few people knew how to use them. For the
most part they remained locked up in LRRP Company safes
even though German LRRPs, Special Forces, SAS and others
had used them or similar units regularly for years.
“Our 5kw generators were only barely adequate. The four
cylinder engines needed good clean fuel. No fuel tanks. They
ran straight off jerry cans which lasted about four hours.
“It was 60 seconds off air if you timed it right. The off switch
on the transmitter took five minutes to re-tune but then it
took five minutes to warm up,” Paul recalls.
Long range commo was without doubt one of the weakest
links in LRRP operations in Europe.
The difficulties we encountered are almost inconceivable to
younger soldiers who have grown up in the era of the internet,
satellite communications and modern computers.
But over at VII Corps the LRRP base station generators had
“power transfer switching” which meant almost continuous
uninterruptible power to the vans.
24
It’s a credit to some hard working commo team chiefs and
operators in both vans and on patrols that the commo got
through as often as it did. VII Corps LRRP records claim
95% of CW commo messages sent were received. I can find
no commo performance records for V Corps LRRPs.
wheel. From this distance in time it seems that VII Corps was
better organized for commo and that might well be a legacy
of it’s first commanding officer who, with OSS experience in
WWII knew full well there was little point in deploying teams
without effective communications.
I am incredulous that there was so little contact between the
two earliest permanent LRRP Companies in Europe.
As a scout, my hat is off to those commo gods that tried and
often did make it all happen, but my personal preference was
always scouting and it’s welcome concomitant, the lack of
parental supervision.
They were pioneer units, blazing new trails, developing new
SOPs and the first LRRP TO&E (Table of Organization and
Equipment) in the US Army and it seems that they never
spoke to each other, nor operated with each other in the field.
In my hitch with V Corps LRRPs I had more contact with
FSK300 the Bundeswehr III Korps LRRP Company than I
did with VII Corps.
Back in the four man patrol days (prior to the 1965 LRRP
TO&E) my Patrol Leader Dick Hoque, himself a good CW
operator spent most of his time on mountain tops with the
RTO trying to get commo.
Carrying the spare TRC-77 battery during insertions and
occasionally humping water and C-ration re-supplies to the
commo sites on top of various mountains was a small price to pay.
The first LRRP companies were based a few hours drive from
each other but might as well have been on different planets.
It seems each was intent on developing its own version of the
Disappeared forever in the mud and swamps. And,
Of many of those who survived, it can be said that
Anzio took their souls.
May Anzio never happen again.
-excerpt, Carlo D’este, Fatal Decision
We lived in San Patricio, New Mexico, a small little
community nestled on the Rio Ruidoso (Noisy River)
drainage, draining the southeast range of Sierra Blanca. Land
of enchantment, land of chile. Spelled with and “e”, not and
“i”. No kidney beans or tomatoes, to spoil the taste. Our
chile was roasted, peeled, and eaten with a generous amount
of garlic and trace of salt.
Ours was a ranching farming community, peopled by persons
of mostly Mexican heritage. Sheep and the raising of apples
were the mainstays. This was Lincoln County, home to Billy
the Kid, Sheriff William Brady, Pat Garrett and the rest of
the history of the guvachos.
My younger sister and I were adopted into the Yisidro and
Pablita Chavez family. It was a big family. Eighteen children.
Our mother had died when I was four, and my father had
no one to take care of us. He was married and had thirteen
children. We lived for a year in Juarez, Mexico with my
mother’s relatives. Not liking it my dad appealed to his sister
to take us in.
“I died at Anzio”
Senon S. Chavez, A Ranger’s Story
Anzio was a prime example of the horror of war,
It was a place where thousands died and death had
No regard for nationality or status. Some who died
25
about it. For the first time I was given a glimpse of and heard
about Rangers. It was a legacy being passed on to me. Both
of us in our wildest dreams could have never envisioned what
a role it would end up playing in my life. Looking back I
can see I served as a release for Senon and prepared and set
for me, my own rendezvous with destiny. For the first time
in my young life, I heard about honor and devotion to duty
and to the brotherhood forged in war. I also sensed just what
a burden Senon was carrying with him. I heard about a man
called Darby, and an outfit called, “Darby’s Rangers”.
I arrived in San Patricio in 1951 when I was five. I enrolled
in school and started learning English, lost in a sea of
emptiness trying to find a father. I gravitated towards Senon,
my adopted brother. If there was ever a hero in my youthful
life, it was Senon.
He was a wild one this Senon. He was thirty-five years old
when I arrived in San Patricio. Senon was a person with a
gleam in the eye. Full of energy and relishing any excitement
or danger, he was small of stature, but stout of heart.
Brig. Gen. William Orlando Darby, a 1933 graduate from
the United States Military Academy at West Point was the
organizer and commander of First, Third and Forth Ranger
Battalions. The First Ranger Battalion was activated on
19 June, 1942 at Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. These
battalions known as Darby’s Rangers, were commanded by
Darby during most of their existence during World War II.
I remember we had a five-year-old stud horse that roamed
the range, and had bred mares. Never had a rope on him. A
typical crazy stud horse and it was spring. The horses name
was Alacran (Scorpion), in honor of his disposition.
Senon ran the horse with some mares into the corral,
segregated him and with the help of half the men in the valley
got the stud hogtied and saddled. It was a big social event.
Drinking wine was heavy then. They turned Senon loose
into the open area in the orchard. It was a rodeo. Alacran
unloaded him, Senon got back on. This went on through the
morning, interspersed with hits of “La Copita”, the wine the
men favored. Senon was getting into it and so was Alacran.
I was nine years old and I was impressed. Alacran, full of
piss and vigor, was snorting, bucking, farting and shitting,
all at the same time, and having a harder time unloading
his tormenter as it went on. By sheer imposition of his will,
Senon broke that stud from bucking and eventually into a
good saddle horse. I never forgot that.
In order to better clarify the events Senon Chavez went
through I contacted James Altieri, whom I had met at the
Fiftieth anniversary of the Rangers at Ft. Benning, Georgia on
19 June 1992. Mr. Altieri began his career with the formation
of the Rangers in Ireland, as an enlisted man. Starting a T/5
(technical corporal), Mr. Altieri rose through the ranks and
upon receiving a battlefield commission, a platoon leader.
Becoming company commander of F Co, Fourth Ranger
Battalion at Anzio. He went on to write two books, The
Spearheaders, and Darby’s Rangers, and account of the
Rangers in the North Africa, Sicily and Italian campaigns.
Culminating with the eventual demise of the First and
Third Ranger Battalions of Darby’s Rangers at Cisterna. Mr.
Altieri did confirm in both verbal and document proof that
Senon S. Chavez is carried on the First and Third Battalion
rosters. I utilized a military biography of William O Darby
by Michael J. King, Darby’s Rangers by Mr. Altieri, Rangers
in WW II by Robert Black, and documents from the Darby
Foundation in Ft. Smith, Arkansas (Darby’s place of birth),
to place Senon in the events that happened. I was amazed
with the recollection that Senon had, and the accuracy they
reflected when compared with my resources. This was done
with a series of taped interviews in December of 1993. There
have been many books written on Anzio and history concurs
that Anzio was one of the bloodiest chapters to come out of
World War II.
As I got older Senon took me under his wing and I helped
him ride the range on horseback taking care of our sheep and
cattle. He taught me how to hunt, stalk, read sign, kill and
dress the game. The family had three hundred head of sheep
and dogs running wild in a pack could quickly disseminate
a flock. Our job was eliminating the dogs. Senon was a
crack shot. About this time I started to realize that there was
something more to Senon, something that he missed. It was
those quiet times, that faraway look he would get, and the
features in his face would get such sadness. Sometimes he
would take to the wine bottle for days. I knew better then to
ask, and bid my tongue.
When I was twelve Senon came home late one night. He
woke me up with a comment of “hey trooper you’re not
suppose to be sleeping on guard duty”. He started talking to
me (all in Spanish) and I knew this was different. I knew he
had been in the service but had never heard Senon say much
On that December evening I turned on my tape recorder and
asked my first question of my adopted older brother, uncle,
father, benefactor and brother Ranger. “Did you talk to
26
men from Ft. Devin, Mass. They got a resounding welcoming
when they arrived at the Ranger area. The Ranger veterans
sprayed the area under the vehicles of the replacements with
automatic weapons fire. Some of the newly intimidated
replacements including Senon went to existing companies.
Company E would be Senon’s new home. The remainder
were formed into Company “G,” which Lt. Col Darby
established as a temporary training detachment.
anyone about the Rangers,” I asked and like a flood it came
out. Senon said: “No, nobody, nobody knew nothing, and I
thought to myself, I am going to have to keep this to myself.
It took me a long, long time to talk. I remember talking to
you about the Rangers. That was about it. See people would
start talking about the war and what they had done. I did
this and I did that, but for me nothing. So now I have to get
it out, because if people don’t believe me I don’t either, to me
its all a dream. I am not talking about myself, I’m talking
for everybody, the whole outfit. That’s what makes it. I tell
people, I died at Anzio. I do not know why I live. I am part
of the living dead. Out of all the people on a landing craft
at Sicily, I am the only one that survived. We were hit by an
M-88 howitzer round. All I remember was coming to the
surface of the water and having legs, arms and a body parts
landing all around me. It was a horrible shock to see this.
I had been in all the campaigns from North Africa up the
Sicilian boot and up the Italian mainland but still, nothing
compared to Anzio”.
SENED STATION-TUNSIA
On 7 February, the First Ranger Battalion was flown to
Tebessa, Tunisia. From there they were trucked five miles east
to II Corps headquarters. Two days later the battalion went
to Gafsa where it received the mission of raiding an enemy
hilltop position, manned by Italians and protecting Sened
Pass, with the purpose of harassing the enemy, destroying his
men and equipment, and conducting reconnaissance.
On the night of 10 February, Companies A, E, And F were
loaded on trucks and moved to an assembly area about twelve
miles from the enemy positions. They made a difficult night
march of nine miles to a position overlooking the enemy.
They rested and studied the enemy positions and completed
their plan of attack during the day. The final briefing was
given to the officers and noncommissioned officers and on
down the line to the lowest ranked Ranger.
In Ranger type warfare the motto is: “Hit first, hit hard, and
keep on hitting”. Living up to this motto, the Rangers of
WWII with accounts of their dangerous and daring exploits,
captured the imagination of the American public. Their
campaigns and accomplishments left a legacy unsurpassed
in the annals of American military history. Senon and
his brother Rangers helped write this legacy in blood,
determination, and perseverance of will.
At sunset the Rangers with their equipment taped down,
their faces and hands blackened, moved toward the enemy
positions. Using the terrain features between them and the
enemy, they advanced too within one mile of their objective.
They waited until 2300 hours, just before moonset, fixed
bayonets and then continued their careful approach using
hooded colored flashlights for navigation and control. At five
hundred yards the Rangers got on line with Company A on
the left, Company E in the center, and Company F on the
right. By use of radio and colored flashlights flashed rearward,
Lt. Col Darby and Major Dammer could control and adjust
each company as they moved on line toward the enemy.
Darby, tasked with the formation of an unconventional
fighting unit, modeled it after the British Commandos. The
name Ranger was picked because it personified the American
history of ruggedness and similar to Rogers Rangers of
colonial days. The basic foundation that made the Rangers
a great fighting outfit, was that every man was a volunteer.
Although deactivated after each conflict, this legacy and
tradition continued into the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Darby’s Rangers were assigned the most dangerous missions.
They spearheaded every invasion landing and land attacks in
major battles, during their existence. This is a brief summary
of those actions that involved Senon directly.
By 0100 hours the Rangers had advanced to within 200
meters of the Italian position. At that point the enemy became
suspicious and starting firing bursts of cannon, machine guns
and rifle fire that went high, revealing their positions to the
Rangers. Pfc. Elmer W. Garrison the only ranger to die at
Sened, had his head blown off by one of the cannon. In Darby’s
words, “we rushed them with bayonets and knives and gave
them everything we had, we went in particularly for bayonet
work, but we also caught a lot of them in their underground
dugouts with our tommy guns and hand grenades.”
OPERATION TORCH
ARZEW, NORTH AFRICA
Mr. Alteiri’s records confirm that PFC Senon Chavez joined
the First Ranger Battalion on 28 January 1943 at Arzew,
North Africa. He arrived with 7 officers and 101 enlisted
27
Dernia, Tunisia and attached to the First Infantry Division.
On 17 March, the Rangers, along with the Sixteenth and
Eighteenth Regimental Combat Teams attacked Gafsa at
1000 hrs, found the town lightly defended and quickly
captured it. There were not Ranger casualties.
The Rangers drove the Italians off their position, killing
seventy-five, capturing eleven men, five machine guns and
a 50mm antitank weapon. This in less than thirty minutes.
The Rangers suffered one killed and twenty wounded.
Senon’s remarks to me about Sened Station were; “We caught
them in their foxholes and we killed then all with knives
and bayonets, and later Axis Sally who would talk and play
songs fur us Americans. Every morning after Sened Station
we would hear her on the radio say; “every Ranger that will
be captured, will be killed by his own knife.” So they did
not like us, they didn’t like us at all. That is why we never
carried anything identifying us as Rangers. If captured you
would not tell them you were a Ranger.” My only thoughts
while Senon mentioned this was, what a way to get broke
into combat!
DJEBEL el ANK
On 18 March, the Rangers were ordered to move toward El
Guettar, and establish contact with the enemy. El Guettar
was an important road junction and the Rangers found it
undefended. Through patrolling and surveillance they found
the enemy east of El Guettar, an Italian force at Djebel el Ank
pass. The enemy forces, concentrated in the mountain passes
numbered six thousand members of the Italian Centauro
Armored Division.
The First Infantry Division received a warning order on
20 March, to attack along the Gafsa-Gabes road to take
the commanding high ground. Less then a mile east of El
Guettar, the road forked into two branches. The southern
branch led to Gabes. The northern branch, known as the
Gumtree Road passed through Djebel el Ank pass and on to
Mahares on the sea.
KASSERINE
In Early February, The German Forces in North Africa were
divided, General Von Arnim’s Fifth Panzer Army holding
against Allied forces that had landed in Torch and Field
Marshal Rommerl’s Panzer Army Afrika, retreating before
General Montgomery’s Eighth Army. Allied high command
wanted to seize Tunisia before the German’s could link up.
Allied forces expected an enemy offensive attack in central
Tunisia but felt they could not hold. At the time, the extreme
south wing of the Allied front extended from Gafsa southeast
to El Guettar. In case of a major attack, Allied forces
defending Gafsa would fight a delaying action, retreating
north toward Feriana.
The plan of attack called for the 18th Infantry to attack toward
Gabes. The plan of attack along the Gumtree Road was a
joint operation. The 26th Infantry would attack frontally up
the Djebel el Ank pass, with the Rangers infiltrating enemy
lines and attacking the positions on Djebel el Ank pass from
the rear. At the pass, the enemy gun batteries were protected
by emplaced automatic weapons and the naturally defensible
terrain in the shape of a funnel. The 26th Infantry, attacking
frontally, would find themselves going into the wide mouth
of the funnel and get hammered by heavy weapons fire
in the constricting neck of the pass. The Rangers mission
while formidable and hazardous was vital to the success of
the operation and the saving of lives of the men of the 26th
Infantry.
Two days after the Sened raid, the Axis offensive hit with an
attack at Sidi Bou Zid. Orders were given for the evacuation
of Gafsa. The First Ranger Battalion was tasked with fighting
a rearguard action, while covering the withdrawal of II
Corps, in some cases in chaos. It was a hazardous mission,
on foot across an open plain, armed only with rifles, machine
guns and sticky grenades and attacked by German Stuka dive
bombers. Senon remembered that it angered the Rangers
that the American army was retreating. The Rangers took up
positions east of Feriana and were ordered to hold Dernia Pass
and the road to Tebessa and remained on the defensive till
March. Meanwhile, at Kassarine Pass, the 168th Regimental
Combat Team was wiped out by Rommel’s panzers. The Axis
offensive in late February had ground to halt.
With information gathered by two nights of Ranger patrolling
and by Darby personally leading a daylight reconnaissance,
he was able to map out a route to get his Rangers behind the
enemy undetected. On the night of 20 March the Rangers
made a six-mile march over terrain the enemy thought to be
impassable. Over a torturous succession of hills and gorges,
the Rangers in the dark made their way to a rocky plateau
that overlooked the Italian positions rear at Djebel el Ank
pass. There they awaited the dawn.
On 13 March, 1943, Darby’s Rangers were attached and
became II Corp’s reserve under the command of General
George S. Patton. On 13 March they moved to the vicinity of
28
The Rangers attacked at dawn, with a Ranger sounding
charge on a bugle. With a support element firing machine
gun and rifle fire, the Rangers firing their weapons and
yelling battle cries, swept forward on line into a terrified
Italian defense whose heavy weapons were pointed down
into the pass. Surprised completely, the Italians put up a
weak resistance and surrendered promptly. Any enemy that
resisted, were killed.
from General Marshall, (Chief of Staff) Darby visited all
replacement centers for volunteers for the formation of the
two additional units. Darby, using his veterans from the First
Ranger Battalion as cadre, organized the Third and Fourth
Ranger Battalions on 20 May 1943 in North Africa. With
all three Ranger battalions known as Force Ranger, and
Darby commanding the First Ranger Battalion and in overall
command of Force Ranger, Sicily awaited the Rangers.
Senon recalled that they were shelled steadily the two days
before the attack. He remembered the night march into the
area and that it was physically demanding. He remembers
the sound of the bugle and running, working his weapon but
not much else. Afterward he could see many enemy dead,
and that most never had a chance to employ their weapons.
Senon as a combat veteran of the First Ranger Battalion,
was shifted over to the Third Ranger Battalion. He would
be commanded by Major Herm Dammer. Senon remembers
that while with the First they would say; “there goes Darby
with his four hundred thieves,” and when he was with the
Third the saying would go; “here comes Dammer and his
four hundred goats!”
In Darby’s after action report, he stated that two hundred
prisoners were taken by the Rangers, but made no estimate
of Italian dead or wounded. There were no Rangers killed in
action and one was wounded. The 26th Infantry had an easy
day through Djebel el Ank pass and took over a thousand
prisoners.
OPERATION HUSKY (Invasion of Sicily)
Senon with the Third Ranger Battalion moved to Bizerte,
Tunisia to join General Lucian Truscott’s Third Infantry
Division, who they would be attached too for the upcoming
operation. While at Bizerte, Dammer’s Rangers participated
in practice landings on LCI’s (landing craft, infantry) to
prepare them for the invasion. Senon recalls; “they loaded
us on troop ships on 4 July and the Germans bombed us
right there at the docks hitting a troop ship anchored next to
mine. While en-route to Sicily, we ran into a big storm and
everyone got really sea sick.”
On 21 March, the Rangers returned to El Guettar and
moved into division reserve. On 23 March, the Axis counter
attacked westward along the Gabes-Gafsa road wanting to
regain ground lost. The attack fell upon the 1st Infantry
Division and the Rangers were again called onto the front
lines as a conventional infantry unit. The Rangers fell in
on the left flank of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry. The
position was attacked at 1830 hrs by dive-bombers and
sixty tanks and a battalion of dismounted infantry from the
Tenth Panzer Division. The attack was broken up by heavy
American artillery fire.
The plan of attack called for the Third Ranger Battalion to land
three miles west of Licata Green Beach (San Mollarella), seize all
enemy installations on the beach, then attack in the direction of
Mount Sole, regroup and attack Licata from the west. This was
in conjunction with a pincer movement involving a forty-five
thousand man force involved in the landings.
Through the rest of the month of March into mid April,
the Rangers were used in conventional infantry defensive
positions in and around El Guettar. Filling and plugging any
potential hotspots that might arise. This cost the Rangers
three killed and eighteen wounded. By 10 April, all the
Ranger companies were reunited in Gafsa. The African
campaign was over for the Rangers. Over 32,000 men of the
Axis armies had been killed and 200,000 captured. The First
Ranger Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
for the Battle of El Guettar.
Senon landed on Green Beach at 0255 hrs on 10 July, to the
left of Rocca Mollarella. The Rangers passed through a wide
belt of barb wire while under machine gun fire, advancing to
the base of Mount Polisca. Using the barbed-wire obstacles as
handholds, they climbed the steep slopes to the high ground.
On reaching the high ground, the Rangers systematically
captured or destroyed every Italian position.
The aggressive action and careful planning paid off for the
men of the Third Ranger Battalion. Only two men were
wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds, during this
action. The Third Ranger Battalion’s mission accomplished,
they were placed in division reserve.
Because of pending plans for the invasion of Sicily, General
Patton instructed Darby to come up with plans for the
formation of two additional Ranger battalions. After approval
29
that day alone! They had one Ranger killed.
On 15 July, the Third Rangers were to spearhead a
“reconnaissance in force” down the Favara-Agrigento road
(Highway 122), bypass Agrigento and take Montaperto.
Continue toward the port city of Porto Empedocle twentyfive miles away. It would give Patton’s Seventh Army, a port
closer to the front on the drive to Palermo.
Senon remembers this operation as fast paced and action
packed. Every bit of luck was on the side of the Rangers. It
was truly a dream operation and every Ranger working as a
team. So far out in front of other friendly forces, we could
only be aggressive and it paid of he commented. The rest
of July was spent in relative ease for the men of the Third
Rangers. They pulled minor guard and POW guard duties.
When arriving in Palermo Senon recalls some street fighting.
He remembers: “I got away from my company and stayed
for three days and two nights in a hotel. Eating chicken,
bread and drinking vino. The young women would bring us
anything we wanted. When we got back they were waiting
for us and were in the process of pulling out.
At 1900 hrs found the Third Rangers on a night march
toward their objectives. They hit a roadblock around 0400
hrs and attacked using fire and maneuver tactics. They took
prisoner the 165 Italian survivors and sent them under guard
to Favera.
At 0600 hrs the Rangers continued their march toward
Montaperto. A short time later they reached a road junction
(Highway 118-Raffadell road). They had approached
the junction moving on a hillside overlooking it. When
suddenly, an enemy convoy of ten sidecar motorcycles and
two troop-laden trucks came barreling around a bend 500
yards away. The Rangers went to ground and set up a hasty
ambush. They waited for the enemy to come abreast of them.
When directly in front, four Ranger companies opened up
with a devastating volley of fire. It was a deadly ambush,
destroying all the vehicles and capturing the surviving forty
Italian soldiers.
On 7 August, the Third Ranger Battalion was attached to
the Third Infantry Division. Two days later they were moved
to San Agata and given 50 pack mules. For the next nine
days they operated totally independent and traversed over
100 miles of incredible rough terrain. Rooting pockets of
resistance in the high mountains overlooking Messina.
Senon recalls that he could see the mountains in Italy. At
the conclusion of his “mule packing days”, Senon with the
Third Rangers were returned to Corleone to join the First
and Fourth Rangers and prepare for the invasion of Italy.
Pushing forward, they climbed the tall hill on which
Montaperto was situated on and took their first objective
without incident. On the other side of the hill directly under
Montaperto, they spotted four Italian artillery batteries.
Using their machine guns, rifles and ten 60mm mortars
they brought to bear devastating fire on the enemy position.
Within minutes the Italian artillery men were dead and their
ammunition for the guns exploding.
Ed. Note: This article will be continued in the next issue.
South of Montperto, was a sheer-faced hill that housed
a costal-defense control radio station. One company
(Company C) was assigned to destroy the installation with
the remainder of the battalion continuing their approach to
Porto Empedocle. Company C eventually took the enemy
installation capturing the command group of the Agrigento
area, which were twenty officers and sixteen enlisted men.
By 1400 hrs Dammer had his battalion together and
commenced the attack on Porto Empedocle. Overrunning
machine gun emplacements and a series of house to house
fighting, the Rangers took their objective. They set to
building a hasty POW compound out of necessity. The Third
Ranger Battalion had captured 91 Germans and 675 Italians
30
UNIT REPORTS
1ST BN, 75TH RANGER REGT
Unit Director - Todd M. Currie
1/75 Notes
SERGEANT ALESSANDRO
LEONARD PLUTINO
On 26 July 2011,
Mr. Vic Power,
Owner of Kevin
Barry’s
Pub,
Savannah, GA was
nominated by 1/75
and inducted as
Todd Currie
Honorary Member
of the Ranger Regiment at Ranger
Rendezvous.
Killed in action on August 8, 2011
Operation Enduring Freedom
Sgt. Alessandro Leonard Plutino, 28,
was killed by enemy forces during
a heavy firefight while conducting
combat operations in Paktiya Province,
Afghanistan. Plutino was a Team Leader
assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion,
75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He was
on his sixth deployment in support of the War on Terror with
three previous deployments to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.
On 20 August 2011 a Run/Walk for the Fallen was held at
Lake Mayer, Savannah, Georgia in honor of the 42 Rangers
killed in combat or training since 1974. This event was held
in conjunction with the Run/Walk at Regiment.
Sgt Plutino was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th
Ranger Regiment in February 2007, where he served as a
rifleman, grenadier, automatic rifleman, and a Ranger team
leader. As a Ranger, Plutino selflessly lived his life for others
and distinguished himself as a member of the Army’s premier
direct action raid force, continuously deployed in support of
the Global War on Terror, and fought valiantly as he served his
fellow Rangers and our great Nation. Sgt Plutino is survived by
his mother Dianne Hammond and his father Sandro Plutino,
both of Pitman, N.J. U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS
COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE FORT BRAGG,
NC 28310 / (910) 432-6005 / http://news.soc.mil
1/75 Ranger Ball, 3 December 2011
Attention all current and former 1/75 Rangers and their significant
others: the 2011 Ranger Ball will be held on 3 December 2011
at the Savannah Int’l Trade and Convention Center. The POC
for this event is Shelia Dudley. Sheila can be contacted via
e-mail at [email protected] or telephonically at (912)414 4061.
1/75 Ranger Memorial Stones are available for installation
in November 2011. If you are interested in purchasine one,
please go to the website listed below for Stone Application:
www.1stbn75thrgrregtmemorial.com
October 3rd, 2011: The 1/75 Sua Sponte Foundation is
hosting the 1st Annual SFC Lance Vogeler Memorial Golf
Tournament at the Southbridge Golf Club, Savannah,
Georgia. Honoring those who have given the most.
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & Last Place; 50-50 Raffle;
Longest Drive Prize; Eagle Prize; Hole in One Prize
Marshmallow Drive Contest and Many More Events
and Prizes! Free Food! Free Beer!
8:00am Shotgun Start
All Proceeds Benefit The “Sua Sponte” Foundation
Point of Contact: [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
SFC Lance Vogeler
Medal of Honor Recipient
SFC Leroy Petry and
Shelia Dudley inducted
as Honorary Members of
Order of Rogers’ Rangers.
31
On 27 July 2011, Linda
Davis, Regimental Secretary
and Shelia Dudley, 1st Bn
Secretary were inducted
into the Order of Rogers’
Rangers (Honorary) by
Regimental Sergeant Major
Rick Merritt.
1ST BN, 75TH RANGER REGT (Continued)
First & Third Ranger Battalions jump
into Fryar DZ, July, 2011.
Roger B. (Hog) Brown, Bill Winget,
Chris Brewer
JJ Ellis and Gary Carpenter Swapping
lies about the good old days.
Battle Co. 1/75 originals with BG (R)
K.C. Leuer.
COL Kurilla passes command of 75th
Ranger Regiment to COL Odom.
MG (R) K. C. Leuer watching the
proceedings.
Rangers Bill Winget, Joe Stringham,
Chris Brewer, Todd Currie,
Steven Brown.
Karen Murphy talking with SP4
Adam Bates, 1/75 Ranger Bn.
MOH winner SFC Leroy Petry,
2/75 Ranger Bn. and Todd Currie at
Regimental C of C.
2ND BN, 75TH RANGER REGT
Unit Director - Kevin Ingraham
Welcome to 2012. Tidbits: Patrolling
is in a transition period where John
Chester, our editor
for the last twelve
years, is passing
responsibility for
producing
this
journal on to me.
This will not affect
my
UD duties
Kevin Ingraham
or this column.
Battalion is back at home station as this
is written, where they are beginning their
cycle of individual and unit training
cycle for when they return the point of
the nation’s spear. Our forebears from
the Vietnam H Company, 75th Infantry
will be presenting the company guidon
from the Vietnam War to the inheritors
of their history and honors, 2d Ranger
Battalion, establishing a physical link
between the ranger generations.
32
2ND BN, 75TH RANGER REGT (Continued)
CREDIT WHERE DUE DEPT
Army in July, 2010 and joined the 75th Ranger Regiment in
March 2011 where he served as an assistant machine gunner
and automatic rifleman. He is survived by his parents Larry
and Tamara Horns, and his sister Tiffany of Colorado Springs,
Colo. Horns was on his first deployment in support of the War
on Terror.
Most of this column in the last issue was penned by LTC
David Hodne, the battalion commander. While he was
credited at the end of each item, I want to make sure that he
gets all the credit for some outstanding authorship and not
me. There was a little confusion out there. LTC Hodne keeps
the families of his rangers informed about what their men are
doing in training and at war. He graciously consented to allow
these communiqués to be published here so that we alumni
can have some insight into the history they are making. Once
again, his communiqués constitute almost the entirety of this
edition. There is little in the way of light reading this time.
Tragically, seventy-plus rangers were wounded or injured on
this last deployment. With the four KIAs, this was the costliest
deployment experienced by 2d in this war. In addition to
Rangers Holtz and Cerros, whose press releases appeared last
issue, two more rangers and a member of their task group were
killed during an assault on October 22d.
(USASOC News Service, Oct. 23, 2011)
“SFC Domeij was the prototypical special operations
NCO—a technically and tactically competent Joint Terminal
Attack Controller and veteran of a decade of deployments to
both Iraq and Afghanistan and hundreds of combat missions.
His ability to employ fire support platforms made him a game
changer on the battlefield—an operator who in real terms had
the value of an entire strike force on the battlefield,” said Col.
Mark W. Odom, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
“Ultimately PFC Christopher Horns represents everything
which is great about the United States. He placed his fellow
Rangers, the Regiment, and his nation before everything else
in life,” said Odom.
Two U.S. Army Rangers and one Cultural
Support Team member were killed in action
Oct. 22, during combat operations in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom. Killed were:
“Lt. White, a member of a Cultural Support Team, played a
crucial role as a member of a special operations strike force.
Her efforts highlight both the importance and necessity of
women on the battlefield today.”
“SFC Kris Domeij will be dearly missed by the men of 2nd
Ranger Bn. He was one of those men who was known by all
as much for his humor, enthusiasm, and loyal friendship, as he
was for his unparalleled skill and bravery under fire,” said LTC
David Hodne, commander 2nd Bn., “This was a Ranger you
wanted at your side when the chips were down. He and his
family are very much part of the fabric that defines 2nd Ranger
Bn. He is irreplaceable…in our formation…and in our hearts.”
1Lt. Ashley White, 24, was assigned to the 230th Brigade Support
Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina
National Guard, Goldsboro, N.C., and attached to a joint special
operations task force as a Cultural Support Team member.
SFC Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, was assigned to HHC.
PFC Christopher A. Horns, 20, was assigned to Co. C.
All three service members were killed during combat
operations when their assault force triggered an improvised
explosive device near Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
A native of Alliance, Ohio, White was commissioned in the
U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer after receiving
a commission from Kent State in 2009. White is survived by
her husband Cpt. Jason Stumpf of Raeford, N.C., her parents
Robert and Deborah White, twin sister Brittney and brother
Josh, all of Alliance, Ohio.
“On his first combat deployment, PFC Christopher Horns
demonstrated all the qualities we look for in our U.S. Army
Rangers. Courageous and disciplined, he lost his life while
pressing the assault in an area known for insurgent activity,”
said Hodne. “He earned the universal respect of seniors and
peers alike. We will honor his service and remember his
sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Horns family.”
“This Battalion mourns the tragic loss of 1st Lt. Ashley White.
Ashley was an incredibly talented officer and teammate who lost
her life while committed to making a difference in our effort in
Afghanistan,” said Hodne. “She demonstrated a level of quiet
courage that set the example for others to follow, and we will never
forget her sacrifice. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
USASOC Public Affairs Office. Release Number 11102301A. Slightly edited for space.
A native of Santa Ana, Calif., Domeij enlisted in the U.S.
Army in July, 2001 and joined the 75th Ranger Regiment
in April, 2002 where he served as a Ranger Joint Terminal
Attack Controller. He is survived by his wife, Sarah and
daughters Mikajsa and Aaliyah of Lacey, Wash.; his mother
Scoti Domeij of Colorado Springs, Colo., and his brother
Kyle Domeij of San Diego, Calif. Domeij was on his 14th
combat deployment in support of the War on Terror.
A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., Horns enlisted in the U.S.
33
Veteran’s Day 2011.
our children will look at the support we provided to each other
during this time in our lives as something that will be nothing
less than remarkable. The yet untold stories of the Rangers
and their families will build and inspire a generation of great
citizens because of the strength and sacrifice represented in our
ranks. Your children will be proud of you.
Communiqué from LTC David
Hodne, (written while still deployed).
To our Ranger Families and Friends back home, as our Nation has
done every year since 1919, on the 11th of November, America
will pause to honor our Veterans. President Wilson proclaimed
the first “Armistice Day” to occur the year after the end of the
First World War with the sole purpose of filling a day with
“solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s
service.” The purpose of Veterans Day remains a celebration to
honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country,
and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
In honor of Veterans Day, I’ve shared excerpts from my
remarks honoring each of our fallen comrades. I wish you
could have heard the more compelling stories told by their
peers describing them…their stories were fitting tributes,
some impromptu, that are likely only captured in the hearts
of their fellow Rangers. Many years from now, we will look
back on our service in support of this great Nation. Most will
reflect on past experiences that few will be able to relate to. I
hope more will pause to tell these remarkable stories of our
fallen. We are better for having known each of them. One
day, they will come to define a heroic generation of Americans.
This letter will never do justice in describing the depths of our
grief……Nor will it serve to adequately describe the measure
of our commitment.
In the wake of our recent losses, the intent of this letter is not
to open recent wounds as we recently laid our fallen to rest.
The purpose of this letter, in the context of Veterans Day, is to
remind us that we share in the company of great Americans…
Rangers …Veterans. I wish I could publicly share their successes
here or communicate the details of their contributions to our
Nation. In the manner in which they bravely conduct their
operations, these men constitute the modern generation of
veterans who earned their rightful place alongside previous
generations of our National heroes. This Veterans Day, the
Rangers of this Battalion will commit themselves to another
day in harm’s way, our wounded will spend another day in
treatment and recovery in multiple hospitals, and our families
will spend another day concerned about their deployed loved
ones. In spite of this, it remains our duty to honor the
significance of this day.
Rangers Lead the Way!
(signed) David M. Hodne, LTC, Commanding.
Tributes to our fallen Rangers, presented by LTC Hodne in a
memorial service held in the combat zone on Veteran’s Day, 2011:
Remarks in honor of SGT Tyler Holtz
I cannot help but pause……When I walk the second floor
of the building that currently houses C Company here on
Camp McDowell (named after 2/75’s SFC Dave McDowell
who lost his life in Helmand Province in April 2008). The
north end of the building hosts the photos of our fallen from
this Task Force. I still remember talking to SSG McDowell
almost daily at Ft. Benning while we were both serving in
the Regimental HQs. We took pride in being part of the elite
few “West Coast” Rangers who served together at Regiment.
I cannot help but pause……When I walk the first floor of
the HQs of the Task Force HQs. This too, hosts the photos
of our fallen. The loss of such talent among an elite group of
special operators is simply staggering. Some of us have far too
many friends on those walls. I could not help but pause……
When I looked at the American flag flying at half mast over
B Company last night.…The flag wasn’t tattered…in fact it
was obviously relatively new.…Except for the fact that it bore
multiple bullet holes…
Prior to commencing one of his recent morning briefs following
a series of attacks, the Commanding General of the International
Security and Assistance Forces (COMISAF)provided personal
comments and condolences. The nature of these losses, he
stated, can seem overwhelming, but they must not cause us
to lose sight of the enormity of the overall ISAF mission. He
encouraged all to grip this moment and grieve for the many
fallen, but to grieve with a purpose and a focus on redoubling
our efforts to bring a level of peace and stability to a country
that has existed for 30 years under extreme circumstances and
war. COMISAF reiterated the mission of the 49 ISAF nations
is a noble one. He further stressed our mission is not just about
Afghanistan, but is a campaign for the greater good.
On this Veterans Day I extend my personal thanks to all
Veterans, past and present, who gave so much in support
of their Country. I also want to take a moment to thank
the families of our Rangers. In this endeavor of service, our
families sacrifice much as well. In many respects the spouses
and children of this Battalion gave more of themselves than
they ever thought possible…some of our families have seen
all 15 deployments. I’m comfortable with the knowledge that
This particular flag was carried with pride by SGT Tyler
Nicholas Holtz. President Kennedy told the world, “A nation
reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the
men it honors, the men it remembers…”
34
Today in mourning a fallen Ranger, it’s important to clarify
that we also remember this young man and brave warrior.
A member of this Task Force and 2d Ranger Battalion –
we remember a comrade who selflessly lived his life for his
country, and his fellow warriors. Today we remember SGT
Holtz and honor his memory and selfless service.
This Regiment and this Battalion are eternally grateful for
young men like SGT Holtz.
He became the man the Platoon came to know as the “Holtz
Tool”. There was not a door, lock, or gate that this Ranger
could not breach. I told the Rangers of his platoon last night
that in filling out Question 17: (Accent) on his ISOPREP…
he wrote “American” followed by an exclamation point…Men
like SGT Holtz are rare.
On 23 September 2011, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company,
2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment participated in an
operation in a dangerous valley in Wardak Province,
Afghanistan. This, of course, is the same valley that became
infamous given the tragic loss of our comrades in the weeks
preceding this operation. SGT Holtz was no stranger to
the danger presented here, and in recovering the fallen
from that CH-47 crash site, he was no stranger to the cost
of operating there. Weeks later, fully knowing the hazards
of his chosen profession, SGT Holtz boarded a helicopter
with his platoon. SGT Holtz personified our creed…100%
and then some. In maneuvering with his squad towards a
suspected enemy location, SGT Holtz was in front of his fire
team when he was mortally wounded while in close contact
with the enemy. 1st Platoon and Bravo Company did not
falter. They assessed, treated and evacuated their fallen while
simultaneously eliminating the immediate threat. This entire
company remained in this inhospitable valley and continued
clearance operations in zone for over 24 hours. This is how
Rangers honor their fallen. B Company certainly honored
SGT Holtz in every respect. Two weeks ago, our nation
paused to remember the 10th Anniversary of the attacks on
September 11th. This group paused to do the same at this
very flagpole.
Men like SGT Holtz are what make Ranger formations
stand out…and also what make them very lethal. In the two
weeks that followed this recent 10th anniversary of 9/11, I
would argue that many back home have already dismissed
the thoughts and lessons from that fateful day from their
conscience. They dismiss the thoughts that this ongoing effort
to prevent it from happening again often involves sacrifice…
and it comes at a great cost…sometimes too great…
We certainly do not forget the lessons we learned in the decade
following 9/11. In honoring men like SGT Tyler Holtz, we
cannot afford not to. This formation learned and understands
that freedom is worth defending, sacrifice is worth honoring…
and the loss…is worth remembering. We also learned in this
recent decade that heroes still exist. In the case of Tyler Holtz,
heroes don’t just exist…they endure forever.
Rangers Lead the Way!
Remarks in honor of SPC Ricardo Cerros
SPC Ricardo Cerros was killed in action on 8 October 2011
during combat operations in Logar Province against known
enemies of the United States of America. He was a 25 year old
Ranger rifleman.
Tyler was only 12 years old on September 11th 2001 and in
imagining what he was like back then…I suspect at the time
he didn’t give much thought to the lessons our nation learned
as he went off to soccer practice that morning…he admitted
as much in the informal survey 1SG Barrett conducted a
few weeks ago. He likely didn’t pay much attention to the
fear that crippled many across the country…he likely didn’t
pay much attention to the fact that some learned for the first
time that evil is real, our tallest buildings can collapse, and
our national security is an illusion. He didn’t need to pay
much attention…he was after all only 12 …but a few years
later he ultimately became a man who did something about
it. In the years that followed, Tyler grew into the mountain
of man that we knew as a Ranger Fire Team leader in 1st
Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company. I have no doubt that in his
teenage years following September, 11th 2001…leading up
to his decision to become an Army Ranger…he learned that
courage does not waiver, bravery has no limits, and service to
his Nation was very, very important.
Unassuming…Quiet…Intelligent…He was a son…a brother
…and a friend to many. SPC Cerros was a valued member of 2d
Ranger Battalion. SPC Cerros was also a member of 1st Platoon,
Bravo Company…A battle-hardened platoon that demonstrates
in each and every engagement…that they are Rangers.
In the early days of this war…even before we were tested…I
heard a Ranger Battalion Command Sergeant Major describe
that there is nothing on this battlefield that can defeat a Ranger
platoon. In observing the men of these Ranger platoons…I
absolutely know that to be true. These Rangers inspire fear.
On 8 October 2011, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2d
Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment conducted a raid in a remote
village in Logar Province, Afghanistan. This particular village
hosts an impossible maze of compounds surrounded by equally
difficult terrain. This village hosts determined insurgents that
readily consider suicide attacks as a viable option.
35
As this raid went into the early morning darkness of 08 OCT,
2011, SPC Ricardo Cerros, maneuvered with his platoon in the
narrow alleyways leading to the target. As the Platoon prepared
to breach the gate an insurgent rushed at the force while another
barricaded himself in a well-defended position that provided
good fields of fire. His platoon sergeant was immediately hit
and fell at the opening of the breach. A Ranger platoon sergeant
lay wounded. This platoon sergeant undoubtedly felt the sharp
tug as he was pulled away from this vulnerable and exposed
position. Very few of us can relate to the relief associated with
knowing one of your Ranger buddies was nearby to lend a hand
while under fire. SPC Ricardo Cerros, with only 7 months in
Battalion, instinctively grabbed his platoon sergeant along with
another Ranger to pull him to safety. This would be one of his
final actions in the moments before SPC Cerros lost his life. The
one he’ll be remembered for…
Others will remember him as he transformed into the young
Ranger who learned to skillfully handle his Squad Automatic
Weapon, or who dedicated himself to physical fitness. Leaders
will remember him as the type of Ranger you wanted to train.
He was intelligent and mature. He handled responsibility with
diligence. He applied himself to becoming a pro.
Ricardo’s action conjures the image of one of the most noble
gestures in the business of soldiering…to put oneself at risk
to come to the aid of a wounded soldier under fire. Once
immediately out of the opening in front of the gate, SPC
Cerros placed himself in front of his wounded platoon sergeant
in a narrow alleyway to provide security while his squad leader
and another Ranger NCO resumed the assault against the
remaining insurgent barricaded inside. In the din of the battle
a hand grenade exited the gate towards these brave Rangers.
Most were able to seek some form of cover. SPC Cerros chose
to shield his fallen platoon sergeant with his body. Following
the blast, SPC Cerros and one of our Afghan partners lost
their lives. 1st Platoon and Bravo Company did not falter. In
spite of their wounds they pressed the fight. Joined by fellow
Rangers they eventually reduced the compound eliminating
the threat. …and they cared for their fallen.
In the wake of our loss…it is easy to lose perspective.
This loss of perspective can occur within the heart of a single
individual……Or it can occur within the hearts of the
collective formation.…Particularly when the fallen include
those rare souls among us who touch so many across it. They
include a young Ranger…the son of proud parents who was
on his first combat deployment. A young officer, who stepped
forward to be part of something special, and in doing so, made
this unit more effective on target.
I will remember him as the unassuming warrior…
The one you want standing silently on your flank…
The one who endures and shares hardship without complaint…
The one who you can count on…to pull you out of the breach…
Courageous…Instinctive…Disciplined…
I will remember SPC Ricardo Cerros…a U.S. Army Ranger
Remarks in honor of SFC Kris Domeij, 1LT Ashley White,
and PFC Chris Horns
And, the senior NCO…the one with the unmistakable
swagger…the same swagger he had when he first came to the
unit 9 years ago…and a man who makes this unit special…We
will forever be better citizens and better Soldiers for keeping
all of them close in our hearts. …knowing that the hazards of
our chosen profession are very real…yet very special people
are willing to meet them head on.
This is a remembrance ceremony. As we look at the display to
honor and remember SPC Cerros we also very much mourn
his loss. The respect, care, and support that we show our
fallen…and their families…defines us as an organization as
much as the operations we conduct.
We stand here together tonight to honor these three great
Americans.
PFC Christopher Horns
1LT Ashley White
and SFC Kris Domeij
In remembering SPC Cerros, knowing he gave the last full
measure of his life, we often learn more about ourselves and why
we commit to this effort. Most importantly, in remembering
SPC Cerros we reflect upon and learn more about the man we
served with. That is our duty…our responsibility…to carry
on his memory and honor him with our continued service. As
you look at the display of SPC Ricardo Cerros…
All three were valued members of this Task Force.
On 21 October 2011, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company,
2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment targeted a Taliban
Commander during a night raid in the Zhari District of
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. This particular village hosts
one of the remaining Taliban sanctuaries within the reach
of Kandahar city…and equally out of reach of the Battle
Space-Owning units. The Rangers of this Platoon knew the
risk associated with the Taliban Commander who operates in
this particular area laden with IEDs. During the clearance of
Some will remember the brainy, quiet, kid when he first showed
up to 1st Platoon, Bravo Company last March. He had an
affinity for video games and when asked about his background,
he told his fellow Rangers he had a Bachelor’s Degree in
Chemistry from the University of California at Irvine.
36
the main compounds, multiple IEDs exploded both in and
outside of the compound. In the series of blasts that erupted
within the assault force formation, SFC Kristoffer Domeij,
1LT Ashley White, and PFC Christopher Horns lost their
lives from the blasts. It is natural to grieve in the face of what
happened. But in doing so, we must maintain perspective…
This is a remembrance ceremony.
God Bless our great Nation, our Task Force, and our Battalion.
May God be with and strengthen their families back home.
Rangers Lead the Way
As we look at the displays that honor and remember SFC
Domeij, LT White, and PFC Horns we also very much mourn
their loss. The respect, care, and support that we show our
fallen…and their families…defines us an organization as
much as the operations we conduct. Take comfort in the fact
that Ranger LNO teams are working from coast to coast back
home to look after their loved ones back home. In remembering
each of these great Americans, knowing they gave the last full
measure of their life, we often learn more about ourselves and
why we commit to this effort. We gain perspective.
This Quarter in 2d Battalion History:
• January 1, 1969. The 75th Infantry is activated as a parent
unit under the Combat Arms Regimental System (CARS).
All approved long range patrol units were to share ranger
heritage and be redesignated as ‘Ranger’ under the CARS
75th Infantry.
• January 2010 The ‘Quad’ is no longer. The original barracks
and support buildings are demolished to make way for
modern facilities and barracks.
• February 1, 1969. Company H (Ranger) 75th Infantry
activated at Phouc Vihn, Republic of Vietnam. Concurrently,
E Company, 52d Infantry was deactivated. All personnel
and assets remained. In the mid-‘80s, 2d Battalion was
assigned the lineage and honors of H-75th.
• February 2, 1967. 1st Cavalry Division LRRP component
activated. Provisional detachments organized and attached
to the division’s 1st and 2d Brigades.
• February 2, 1986. 2d Bn (Ranger) 75th Infantry is
redesignated 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
• February 3, 1986. World War II battalions and Korean
War lineage and honors were consolidated and assigned by
tradition to the 75th Ranger Regiment.
• February 25, 2003. Combat jump by elements of HHC, A
and C Companies and B Co, 3-504th Parachute Infantry
near Chahar Borjak, Nimruz Province, Afghanistan at
1345-1445Z.
• February – April 1944. D-Day mission rehearsals conducted
on Isle of Wight by 2d and 5th Ranger Infantry battalions.
• February 14- March 26, 1975. 2d Bn (Ranger) 75 Infantry
unit cadre training at Ft. Benning, GA. 2d Battalion
conducts its first battalion sized mass tactical parachute drop
when it redeploys to home station at Ft Lewis.
• February 2003. 2d Battalion deploys to what becomes
Operation Iraqi Freedom in April.
• March 15, 2001. Gen. Shinseki approves “request” by 75th
Ranger Regiment to adopt the tan beret.
• March – April 1944. D-Day mission rehearsals conducted
on Isle of Wight. On April 27, 2d Battalion moves to the
invasion staging area in Dorset.
This is how we maintain perspective… As you look at the
display of PFC Chris Horns…He was the quintessential new
Ranger who wanted to do the right thing. Quiet but proud, he
was the guy you could pick out in a formation in the dark…
because he either carried the SAW or had a litter on his back.
I look at his photo and in his face I see pride…Pride in being
a Ranger. Pride in being a good man…
As you look at the display of 1LT Ashley White…She wanted
to be here and wanted to contribute. She demonstrated a level
of quiet courage that set the example for others to follow. She
became a member of her platoon and we will honor her for her
contributions to our efforts here. I look at her photo and in her
expression I see energy and confidence…the expression of a leader
who wanted to make a difference and wasn’t afraid to take risks.
As you look at the display of SFC Kris Domeij I hearken
back to a conversation with the CSM about Ranger
formations. Ranger formations at all levels from the platoon
to the battalion are unique. They have their own character,
their own nicknames, and I maintain that they are never
defined by one man. Having seen him serve with energy and
enthusiasm in multiple Ranger formations…I am willing to
make an exception for Kris Domeij. Men like SFC Domeij are
irreplaceable…in our formations…and in our hearts.
I look at his photo and I see a friend. One I laughed with…
and one I “stole” equipment from…I also look at his photo
and I see the expression of a professional…the man who built
the reputation of Ranger JTACs.
We will honor their service.
We will remember their sacrifice.
They have earned this.
37
3RD BN, 75TH RANGER REGT
Unit Director - Scott Billingslea
Rangers,
Not much to report this issue. With
block leave and the holidays, it’s been
pretty quiet. I do have a couple of
great things to share with you though.
grueling 72-hour two-Soldier team
competition at Camp Bullis Nov.
4-6 to earn the title of best medic.
The inaugural Command Sgt.
Maj. Jack L. Clark Jr. Best Medic
Competition was dedicated to the
13th command sergeant major of
the U.S. Army Medical Command.
It
recently
came to my
attention
that an 8 year old boy in Dallas had
just been diagnosed with bone cancer.
Pretty scary stuff especially for a kid. It
just so happens that this young man’s all
consuming passion is to be an Airborne
Scott Billingslea
Ranger. He has Scrolls and Tabs plastered
over just about everything he owns. Right before he started
chemo he received in the mail a certificate naming him an
honorary member of 3/75! Needless to say, he was beside
himself. Reports from his mom are he hasn’t taken off his
Ranger sweatshirt since he got it. A huge thanks to LTC Evans
and CSM Noland for making it happen. They graciously
made that happen during the Mogadishu Mile run this year.
Clark’s family came from Florida to participate in the
dedication ceremony and meet the competitors.
“It is appropriate that such a prestigious competition be named
after Command Sergeant Major Clark. He was one of the most
respected leaders and noncommissioned officers in the history
of our command,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sandra
Townsend, keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony.
“[Clark] was a mover and a shaker, known for making every
place he went better. He understood the important role of
medics in the Army and the trust Soldiers and leaders must
have in the Army Medical Department,” she said.
In the end, Sgt. 1st Class John Maitha and Staff Sgt.
Christopher Whitaker, representing the 3rd Battalion, 75th
Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., secured the title of the
Army’s Best Combat Medic Team.
“We had no idea where we were place-wise, so we just kept going
as hard and as fast as we could on everything,” Maitha said.
The first day of the competition began with a physical fitness
challenge, which included a three-mile run and pulling a tire
that weighed several hundred pounds.
I’ve had the very great honor of being the 3/75 Unit Director
for over 4 years now, on 2 different occasions. As I stare down
the impending new year, and a new job with it, I find myself
unable to fill the Unit Director role to the level that you
and the men of 3/75 deserve. I’ll be handing the position to
someone else as soon as a replacement is identified. If you or
someone you know is interested, please contact me through
the 75th RRA website.
The obstacle course tested the team’s agility and physical
strength. Each team needed to complete 15 of 19 obstacles as
quickly and safely as possible.
The M-9 stress shoot mimicked a combat situation where
every shot counts. Teams showcased their marksmanship
skills, completing three separate firing engagements while
evacuating a simulated casualty on a litter.
Soldiers compete for Army’s
best medic title
By Lori Newman
Fort Sam Houston News Leader
“The M-9 stress shoot was the most fun,” Maitha and Whitaker said.
Once the M-9 stress shoot was complete, the two-Soldier teams
marched six kilometers to the next part of the competition,
the M-4 stress shoot.
CAMP BULLIS, Texas, (Army News Service, Nov. 15, 2011) Sixty-two Soldiers from across the Army competed in a
38
3RD BN, 75TH RANGER REGT (Continued)
“We liked the night land navigation because it was challenging
and it was different,” Maitha said. “They filled us in on a Black
Hawk helicopter heading to an unknown [helicopter landing
zone] and we had to figure out where we were before we could
even start the course.”
This event joined teams together to compete the scenario,
engaging hostile targets and calling in situational reports.
The leadership reaction course tested each team’s ability to
think, lead and work together to negotiate eight obstacles.
The final event was a timed 2.7-mile buddy run, testing the
fortitude and endurance of the competitors. Each team had
to complete the run carrying a 180-pound casualty on a litter.
The advanced land navigation course began at 11 p.m.
Teams were flown by helicopter and inserted into the rugged
terrain of Camp Bullis. Once on the ground, each team had
six hours to locate 12 grid coordinate locations using terrain
association and topographical maps.
Shortly after Sunday’s last event, an awards ceremony was held
at Camp Bullis.
Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, Army surgeon general and
commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command, and
the Clark family presented trophies to the winning team and
recognized all the teams for their accomplishments during the
72-hour competition.
“The night land nav was definitely the toughest,” Whitaker said.
Early the next morning, the candidates tackled the urban
assault lane. Using simulated munitions similar to paint ball
rounds the Soldiers had to engage the enemy while treating
casualties and defending themselves.
Pricilla Clark congratulated all the competitors. “You have
been tested beyond human capability and you have come
through this standing and smiling,” she said. “You have given
us the true definition of never giving up.”
The day combat medic lane tested the candidates’ ability to
perform casualty care in close quarters as well as their ability
to evacuate wounded to a MEDIVAC aircraft.
Staff Sgts. Gabriel Mendoza and Gabriel Valdez, representing
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort
Bragg, N.C., accumulated the second-highest points total and
placed second in the competition.
The night combat medic lane tested the competitors’ ability
to perform medical tasks under the cover of darkness using
the Tactical Simulator for Military Medicine. The teams were
required to gain fire superiority, stabilize their casualty and move
them from the simulator into a ground evacuation vehicle.
Third place was secured by Spc. Allen Klingsporn and Spc.
Austin Kreutzfeld from the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort
Bragg, N.C.
Mounted land navigation tested the candidates’ ability to
provide medical treatment while en route to the medical
treatment facility.
RANGER HALL OF FAME UPDATE
A quick note on some changes to the Ranger Hall of Fame
packet criteria. The biography section of the RHOF packets
is being condensed to a 500 word limit. A few more changes
are supposed to be announced in January, but don’t wait
until then to submit your packets. The review committee will
proceed with their normal process. Once they have identified
the candidates that will be submitted for possible induction,
any additional changes that need to be made can be done at
that time. If you have someone you feel is worthy of induction,
please get the packet in to your Unit Director ASAP!
At 5 a.m. the next morning each two-Soldier team worked
together to complete a 75-question written exam designed to
test their tactical and technical proficiency.
After the written exam, the Soldiers moved to the virtual
convoy combat simulator. The simulator provided a 360-degree
simulated battlefield allowing the candidates the opportunity
to perform basic Soldier skills while mounted in a simulated
environment.
A/75 - D/17 LRP - V CORPS LRRP
Unit Director - Bill Bohte
By the time this is read winter will be almost over for most of
us. I hope you all survived and had a nice series of holidays.
At this juncture Christmas is shaping up to be great. The
boss (my wife Sandy) has arranged for our daughter and her
husband to come down to the desert with the grand babies to
spend their first Christmas with this old LRRP. Nothing could
be better than that.
Another event that surprised this Band of Bandits was the
announcement by down under Bob T. Murphy of his plan to marry
Mary Rossi on the 1st of December. Yes that Murphy. Bob was
smitten with Mary at the reunion and invited her down to OZ and
she accepted and has decided to stay awhile. Mary was the widow
of a P company ranger and so she has a history of putting up with
guys with attitude. I wish them both the best of luck and happiness.
39
A/75 - D/17 LRP - V CORPS LRRP (Continued)
I will leave you with a couple of stories
from Tom Brizendine.
light automatic rifle fire which increased as
we progressed up the slight slope where the
jungle got heavier. Always hated traveling in
single file, but that was the order given to
us. I still put flankers out about three yards.
Any further then that, and we would lose
contact with them. The little FM radio’s
that fit on our helmets was useless except in
line of sight. Enemy fire increased by adding
mortar fire to the automatic small arms fire.
Picture of
Tom drawn
by his son
in law.
CO called in an air strike to our left front.
A FAC came in low and fired a rocket into
third platoon, injuring several men. “SORRY
ABOUT THAT”, as he left the area.
Reflections of Sgt. Tom
Brizendine A/75th
Enemy fire was getting heavy as we looked for a defensive
position which we found to the left and forward of us. It was
an abandoned trench system from either the ARVN or the
NVA on a small hill with a clear view of some rice paddy to
our front.
Going on three day stand down with Co. B, 1st. Bn. 6th
Infantry at Chu Lai Americal Division.
1st day.....Turned in all old ammo and ordnance, debriefed on
the previous operation...Got something to eat at the field mess
hall, and took a shower in the field shower. Fell asleep under a
GP medium tent.
As we moved into those trenches, I discovered a booby
trapped grenade, and passed the info on up to the CO.
As we settled into those positions, the CO. Told me to take
my platoon on patrol and try and figure out what we were up
against. My platoon took a small trail to the front and trailed
back to the right. We got about 30 feet and was pinned down
by heavy direct small arms fire from the jungle about 30-40
feet away.
Woke up at dusk, and went back to the mess tent to eat, then
got a beer that had been chilled with real ice and fell asleep.
Woke up just at morning twilight, and went to the mess hall
for some coffee. Rest of the day was spent doing nothing, but
movies were being showed in an outside area theatre, (John
Wayne in “The Green Berets”). Next morning, was called to
a meeting by Cpt. Jessup at the Co. Command tent. Details
of the next mission and the Co. Went down the chain of
Command if he was killed. Me, just arrived in the company
less then a month before, and being an ex Combat Engineer,
was last in command of officers and senior NCOs’, and was
told to keep mum about the next day until the Co. Brief the
company in mass.
SSG Mason was to my right, and one of our machine guns
was to the left. Sgt Mason let out a grunt and said I’m hit.
He was laying face down, and I rolled him over to see where.
The round had hit his pistol belt, and ricocheting up into his
intestines, leaving them hanging out. I replaced his guts and
put a field bandage on to hold them in place. And called for our
medic. The medic was busy at the front of the patrol tending
to a couple of other injured men. I dragged SGT Mason back
to the DP, and went back to my men. The machine gun bolt
locked up and would not eject a round, despite all attempts
to eject it. I grabbed the gun by the barrel tripods and kicked
down as hard as I could in the cocking handle, finally ejecting
the round and a new on inserted going off and barely missing
my head. I told the platoon to return back to the DP as I
hosed the area down with a 20 round mag, and silencing the
automatic fire from the front left. Another patrol from third
platoon had gone to the left of the DP in search of water. They
also were forced back into the DP by small arms fire.
Just at the break of dawn, the company was assembled for the
day’s mission.
Going into a “hot LZ” in the northwest Queson Valley.
First liftoff would be in two hours, and we were told to pack
extra ammo. We came into the LZ in trail, as the chopper
hovered about 3 feet off the ground, we unassed the birds and
set up a DP. We had a platoon of ARVN that was supposed to
stay with us the entire mission, but left to celebrate TET right
after landing. The next hour, we lost our first man KIA. The
point man for first platoon. As we progressed into the triple
canopy jungle and a slight uphill incline, we started to receive
Captain Jessup ordered a resupply of food, water and ammo.
40
As the choppers came over and did a kick out, most of the
resupply fell into enemy troops. Captain Jessup then re ordered
another run on ammo but try and hover so the ammo could be
kicked out in our DP. As the chopper came in it was taking fire
and the ammo was kicked out and two replacements jumped
out, one had a case of ammo in each hand and broke his leg on
landing. He never got to fire a round. We settled down as it was
getting dark, and I went to the CP for a briefing. I came back
to my platoon CP, and opened up a can of C-rations, my RTO
had started a small fire to heat up some hot chocolate, and
had lifted his C-ration can to drink it just as a mortar round
landed by an old tree trunk and sending shrapnel through his
cup and right jaw knocking out a tooth. The man was really
pissed that his chocolate was ruined and said that was the last
package of hot chocolate he had.
I still get chills and break out into a cold sweat as the adrenalin
flows.
Tom
A/75th
Does this look like a crusty
ol Warrior or what?
Reflections continue
Just outside of the Americal Division and on Highway 1,
is a Village called “ANTON”. There once was a railroad
bridge, and a highway bridge. Both destroyed by the VC. The
Engineers put in a new bridge, with the Infantry securing it.
Medic came over and patched up his jaw, making him look
like he had the mumps. Captain Jessup took him as his own
RTO, as his had been wounded. I put another man as my
RTO. That night we continued to received small arms and
mortar fire.
Next morning the Co. Called for fire from one of the
batteries in our AO, but they could not direct fire to our
location. We continued to fire our 82’s in indirect fire to
keep the enemy from getting to close. Finally, the CO told
us to take cover as he was getting naval gunfire to support us.
Next thing I hear is a roar like a freight train coming. The USS
New Jersey had fired their big guns, and that freight train noise
was the one thousand pound round coming in. Those things
shook the ground as they hit, sending shock waves over us.
Nice accommodations with bunkers on both sides and a
TOC. Leisure time! No ambush patrols to run, just be sure
nobody tries to blow the bridge up again. I was in the TOC
with SGT. Ames and my radio operator. Had just cleaned my
M-16. We heard a lot of yelling coming from the other side
of the bridge and the words “VC,VC” I grabbed my M-16
and a bandoleer of magazines and headed out the door of the
TOC. The ARVN’s on the other side was firing their weapons
at a gook crossing the bridge. I yelled DUNG LAI, DUNG
LAI. And the Vietnamese raised his arm and said something
in Vietnamese. Just then SGT. Ames came out with his M-16
and said “GRENADE”!
We also got aircraft support either from the Air force or Navy.
Can’t rightly remember after all these years, but those jockeys
came in at tree top level, so close you could see the pilots and
the empty 20 MM shell casings being ejected as they made
their gun runs. Next pass was dropping 500 pound butterfly
bombs you could hear the whiz/buzz as shrapnel flew by, and
the third pass was the dropping of napalm. You could see the
torpedo shape as it left the aircraft and hit. Sending blasts of
concussion, hot air, and feel the suction as the air was drawn
back into the flames.
I yelled one more time to stop in Vietnamese, as he came
between myself and our bunker on the other side of the
highway. He raised his arm and let go of the grenade. I shot
him once, but he kept running. I flipped the selector switch
to “AUTO GITTEM”, and unloaded a full magazine into his
ass. Everything in slow motion.....I watched as chunks of flesh
left his body as well as the wallet he had in his pocket. He went
down and I did too. The frag went off, and I was immediately
back on my feet with another mag loaded, but the guy was in
no mood to continue the fight.
Amazingly, those little folks just kept on coming as we fired on
them in the rice paddy to our front. You could see them real
clear...Dressed in Kaki colored clothes.
MP’s came in a jeep, threw the dude in the back and hauled
off to the hospital. About an hour later, the MP’s came back
and asked what had happened. I told them, and SGT Ames
told them also. Didn’t stop them from hauling me to the MP
station where they booked me for murder. About two hours
later, the BN Exec came and signed for me, and took me back
to the bridge. At this time I had just about two weeks left in
country, but my hearing was scheduled for two weeks after
The next day we started withdrawing back to an LZ for
extraction. We found out later that our company had gone up
against the 22nd NVA regiment.
That was a DANGER CLOSE Bomb run.
41
that. I was found not guilty by Justifiable Homicide, taken
to the airport and put on a plane with a ban on me from
serving in Vietnam for one year. 11 months later I was back in
Vietnam with the 101st Airborne at Phu Bai.
Searcy found a regulation about “prior parachute experience”
which applied to the Pau French Army course and got approval
for US jump wings for Maxx who made his first pay jump the
next day. At that time he had approximately 180 jumps.
Tom
A/75th
He made E-7 with a 11F Infantry Operations MOS at about
the same time he became platoon sergeant.
V Corps LRRPs (officially Co C, LRP, 17th Inf ) transferred
back to Fort Benning in May 1968 and Maxx remained
behind in Germany and migrated to A company of the 509th
in Mainz and a few days later went TDY to the 8th Infantry
Division parachute team in Bad Kreuznach.
Bill Maxwell with V Corp
LRRP circa 1968
In August of that year it was back to Vietnam to the same unit
he had served in on his first hitch.
On his return to the US he became an Army recruiter in Ohio
for almost eight years before retiring to Texas for another
career on the road as a truck owner operator.
MAXX DID THE LRRP THING HIS WAY
He retired again at 62.
V Corps LRRPs were a colorful bunch with unique ways of
doing things but even given that, Bill Maxwell was in a class
of his own.
This writer was fortunate to catch up with Maxx and his lovely
wife Michiko in the summer of 2010 in Houston. Great
people. Good stories.
The always affable “Maxx” came to the company from V Corps
Post HQ as a Day Report Clerk. He had an infantry MOS
but always worked in the office. He did two hitches in the
company including one as a Killer platoon sergeant and the
oddest thing was that he was officially a leg. No jump wings,
or at least no US jump wings and no jump pay.
By Bob Murphy
Maxx was a leg but he was also an experienced sky diver and
had done a military free fall course with the French Army at
Pau while on his first hitch in the company.
Maxx started skydiving within a month of joining the
company with the LRRP parachute club which included Chet
“Skinny Injun” Smith, Paul Sullivan, Lee Farley and mail clerk
Bruce Warmouth. and others. He got 20 jumps in his first six
weeks in the company, mostly out of Budigen Army Airfield
on L-20s and H-34s. John Wilson was the company S-3 and
helped arrange the planes flown by pilots who needed the
flying time.
Bill Maxwell and Michiko are living in Houston, TX
Maxx did a tour in ‘Nam and called the company up from
the repo depot on his return to Germany in August 1967.
1st Sergeant Bob Searcy (formerly a PL in VII Corps LRRPs)
knew Maxx well and got him back into the company as 1st
Platoon Sergeant
42
B/75 - C/58 LRP - VII CORPS LRRP
Unit Director - Mark L. Thompson
From: Michael Henry Moser
Re: CSM Jim Broyles Retirement – October
2011
I understand that there was a delay in getting
the last issue published, so I do not know
what was included in the published version.
So…I will try to cover recent events here, and
apologize if we missed something along the way.
If you get a chance, please repost at other sites
the comments about Jim’s retirement. Jim
was not only the oldest Ranger on duty but
the last Vietnam Vet.
RANGER HALL OF FAME
Eldon Bargewell (MG, (Ret.)), was inducted
into the Ranger Hall of Fame during the week
of the Ranger Rendezvous. Again, I don’t need
to list his record or accomplishments here,
because we all know what they are. There is
no one more deserving of induction into the
RHOF, in my opinion, although I should tell
you that when I approached him at the last RR
and told him that several of the B75 guys wanted us to nominate
him, he told me that before he was nominated, there were several
others who should be nominated and inducted first, including
Ranger Voyles. So… CONGRATULATIONS, ELDON !!!
I wanted to share with you some of CSM
Broyles retirement party and some of his Bio.
I know that like most Rangers Jim is not going
to brag on himself. I’m going to do that for
him. Jim has a great story and I’ll stack him
against ANY Ranger that has worn the TAB.
After 34 years Bonnie and I had the Honor
of attending CSM Broyles retirement party. Jim was also kind
enough to let us stay at his ranch, feed us, and send a truck
load of Texas beef back with us. We got to meet his lovely wife
June. June was made an honorary MG to keep Jim in line.
RANGER RENDEZVOUS
This old SSG was allowed to speak before a room fully packed
with 5 General Officers, 36 CSM’s and SGM’s and more 04’s,
05’s, and 06’s than you could count. I told a few stories about
the B/75 days. I presented CSM Broyles with a shadow box.
I gave him this box not only on behalf of the B/75 guys but
all his Ranger buddies. This box contained all four scrolls
from the Ranger Units Jim served with: L Co. Rangers, H Co.
Rangers, B Co. Rangers, and 1st Ranger Bn. (Originals).
I could not make it to this year’s RR due to work obligations,
but understand that many other attended (some for the
first time ever, such as Mike Moser), and they thoroughly
enjoyed their visit. Dave Cummings attended, as usual, and
we understand that he is now one of the Unit Directors, so
CONGRATULATIONS, DAVE! If anyone has photos they
would like to contribute to Patrolling that were taken at the
RR, please send them along to me.
The box contained his rank, branch, 75th Crest, and Ranger
Tab. I also made him an arrowhead to match the Texas guard
shoulder patch. Included was a plaque inscribed with the
following:
FACEBOOK
Not only are there a lot of Rangers from all eras on Facebook now,
there are several “closed” Ranger groups with over 1000 Rangers
and family members in the various groups. There must be over
a hundred posts each and every day in the groups, covering
every topic you can imagine, from photos to health alerts and
anything else you can think of. If you want to reconnect with
other Rangers from a variety of eras, I can’t recommend this
enough. If you don’t have a Facebook page, go there, create one,
search for my ID (it’s my name – Marc L. Thompson) send me
a friend request, and I’ll invite you to the group.
CSM JIM BROYLES: Thanks for over four decades of
combined service in law enforcement and the U.S. Army.
Congratulations to the oldest Ranger on active duty, from
your Ranger Buddies at B Company 75th Inf. (Ranger).
(THIS RANGER HAS ALWAYS LED THE WAY).
For those that don’t know CSM Broyles he was the CSM
for the entire Texas Guard. He had 102 CSM’s and SGM’s
below him. The Texas Guard has over 19000 soldiers: the
36th Division, 13 BCT’s, 1 Airborne Battalion, and two SF
companies, plus some other units. This position was equal to
that of an Army CSM ( i.e. 3rd Army as an example). Only
the CSM of the Army held a higher enlisted position if I
understand things correctly.
NEWS:
JIM BROYLES
CSM BROYLES RETIREMENT
CSM Jim Broyles retires this year, after a long period of service
to our country. Mike Moser was able to travel to Texas for the
ceremony, and submitted the following report:
43
B/75 - C/58 LRP - VII CORPS LRRP (Continued)
GARY O’NEAL:
LTC (R) Anton a (RHOF) Ranger was also at CSM Broyles
retirement party. He was Jim’s CO, and CO of H Company
Rangers in Vietnam. They had not seen each other since 1972.
LTC Anton told me “Jim was one of my best Rangers”. He
told a story about the six man Ranger team Jim was on. They
had set an ambush up on the “trail”, and when the firing was
over 132 NVA regulars had gone to see their maker. Anton
said it was a record. In one month H Company had more
enemy KIA’s the a whole Brigade of the 1st Cav. LTC Anton
told me H Company Rangers were the most decorated Ranger
Co. Hooah.
There is a new book about Gary to be released this coming
year. I’m including some of the info from the Facebook page
about the book here:
“American Warrior” by Gary O’Neal with David Fisher
Book by best selling author, David Fisher, to be released in
2012. Based on the life of Gary O’Neal, Army Ranger Hall of
Fame. See Gary’s American Warrior page at:
www.facebook.com/AmericanWarriorGaryONeal
American Warrior
Jim’s Ranger team did not get a scratch. Rangers:132, NVA:0.
In July 2010, Gary O’Neal was inducted into the United States
Army Ranger Hall of Fame. His plaque reads: “Chief Warrant
Officer Gary L. O’Neal is inducted into the Ranger Hall of
Fame for nearly 40 years of service to his country and its allies.
From Vietnam through both Gulf Wars, Chief Warrant Officer
O’Neal served as a private, noncommissioned officer, Special
Forces warrant officer, and special operations GS civil servant,
in conventional and unconventional warfare on land, air, and
sea. He has served with every branch of the US military, on
every continent in the world. Ranger O’Neal bears scars from
bullet wounds, shrapnel wounds, and bayonet-knife wounds
from at least nine separate combat engagements. His service is
characterized by nearly every combat qualification, multiple
combat tours in Vietnam to include incursions into Laos and
Cambodia, and long periods of perilous service in virtually
every country of Central and South America. He has served on
personal security duty for general officers in the Middle East,
and also trained tens of thousands of American and foreign
military personnel in every theater of the world.
As I sat and watched the men and women of the Texas Guard
talk about CSM Broyles it was clearly evident the impact Jim
had on their lives and careers. Jim not only excelled in his
duties but made sure those he came in contact also excelled.
It made no difference to Jim, from 08’s to E1’s his mentorship
over the last ten years as a CSM has been felt in the entire
Texas Guard. I must say I was extremely impressed by the
quality of leadership in this unit. Jim I’ll shut up now and
let you enjoy your retirement. You have earned it. It is an
honor to call you friend and a GREAT privilege to call you
a RANGER BUDDY. You are a RANGER’s RANGER and
you get a PLUS 25. (I was going to give you more points but
you used your F***ing Finger to point at the map). RLTW.
HOOAH.
U.D.’s note: The HOOAH above is the old B/75 HOOAH,
not the wimpy, half-assed Hooah you tend to hear these
days... In tracing the oral history of that expression back, it is
beginning to become clear that the first time it was used was
in the 2nd Ranger Company in Korea, which is where CSM
Joe Gooden started to use it, and he brought it to B/75 when
he was the First Sergeant of the unit.
His career is highlighted by Ranger-LRRP duty during
Vietnam, his selection for duty with the US Army Parachute
Team (Golden Knights), Department of Defense’s first
Antiterrorist Team (Blue Light), and the US Army’s first
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course.
We included a photo of Jim Broyles standing next to a poster
on the wall (SFC Broyles, also an Airborne Ranger!). The
poster was in the 36th Infantry Division HQ’s in Iraq.
His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion
of Merit, Bronze Star with “V” device, Meritorious Service
Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V”
device, Army Achievement Medal (3), Vietnamese Cross of
Gallantry with Gold Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Special
Forces and Ranger Tabs, Master Parachutist Badge, Master
Military Freefall Badge, and Combat Diver Badge.”
Here is a brief extract: Page One:
“Although there was no legal compulsion to the performance
of military duty; yet every man of full age and size was
expected to do his full share of public service. If he did not
do so, he was ‘hated out as a coward.’ Even the want of any
44
article of war equipment, such as ammunition, a sharp flint,
a priming wire, a scalping-knife or tomahawk was thought
highly disgraceful. A man who, without a reasonable cause,
failed to go on a scout or a campaign, when it came to his turn,
met with an expression of indignation in the countenances of
his neighbors, and epithets of dishonor were fastened on him
without mercy.” -The Great West, by Henry Howe (1861) On
Memorial Day, 2009, I went on up to the Arlington National
Cemetery in Washington D.C. It was a beautiful, sunny day.
A nice young lady was standing at the front gate and as each
person entered she handed them two roses. There was a big box
right next to her, and she was taking the roses out of that box.
Two at a time. When she handed me my two roses I stopped
there and I smiled and I said politely, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, but
you’d better give me that whole box. I got a lot of friends here.”
I have sat on the mountaintop and seen the eagles soar. I sat
on that same small staked-out piece of land that Sitting Bull
and Black Elk, Red Cloud and other great chiefs had sat long
before me and looked outside to find themselves. I sat there all
alone for four days and four nights, and I said my prayers and
sang my songs and asked the elders to guide me to a peaceful
place. For a time, my spirit flew with those eagles, but when
they went to nest it came home to me. When I came down
from the mountain, only I knew what I’d left behind. I know
who I am. I know what I’ve done. And I know who I did it
for. I don’t pretend to be anything but what I am: I’m a soldier,
I’m a warrior. I am an American fighting man. For the last half
century, wherever American soldiers were fighting an enemy,
some piece of me was there. If I wasn’t there myself, someone
I’d fought alongside or trained to kill silently or taught to
survive was there. It didn’t matter if it was a jungle, a forest, a
field or a desert, if Americans were on the ground some part of
me was there. I’ve got plenty of wounds to prove it, although
sometimes I think the deepest ones are those you can’t see.
My reputation is pretty direct. At Ft. Bragg it has always been
possible to find experts in almost every aspect of warfare.
Shooting any type of weapon, all the martial arts, surviving on
the land, there is always someone there who can teach how to
do it. But when my name was mentioned there people would
respond, “If you want to know about combat, go see O’Neal.
He’ll teach you how to kill.”
Those were the old-style triangular frame rucks, with the top
of the triangle at the base of your neck; the other two points
of the triangle ride your hips. You rig it upside-down so you
have two points of contact for the quick-releases, with the top
of the triangle pointing down. After exit he could not get it
to release no matter what - the drop altitude was lower than
it should have been and he didn’t have time to cut it away
with his boot knife before impact. Apparently the impact of
landing, though, was sufficient to finish the job he started of
trying to get the quick-releases free, and the top of the fullyloaded frame impacted the top of his foot once he hit the
ground. Messed up his foot and ankle something fierce - don’t
remember if he ever jumped again, but I could be wrong.
So… when you get a chance, check out Gary’s new book!
(Here is more on that particular jump, which I KNOW that
many of you remember…That particular jump was actually
supposed to be a fairly standard Company FTX, with a C141
night equipment drop on a yet-unused just-surveyed and
approved DZ. It was properly surveyed, and the drop duration,
aircraft speed, and other variables were all properly calculated.
Bobby was a weapons primary MOS in Group, and had been
busted a couple times before, worked his way back up to
E7, this time I believe it was to E2 (?), and sent to a Ranger
company. Worked his way back to PFC, went to Ranger school
in my class, and got automatic E4 from that. I believe that he
also regained E5 within a short time afterwards, but CRS has
kicked in, so don’t quote me on that.)
Bobby was one of the best land-nav guys I ever met, and a
walking encyclopedia of military history, usually expressed in
terse, colorful terms.
That may have been the same (night) jump that I landed flat
on my back after my PLF in an elevated cactus patch about 1015 feet across with no apparent means of exit - Larry Coleman
and a couple others rescued me by using logs placed from the
ground into the cactus patch that butted up to the bottom of
my boots, walking up the logs, and levering me onto my feet
so I could walk (stagger) down the logs off the cactus patch.
Our CO landed about 30-50 yards away from me in a deep
ravine - his chute caught on a tree growing out of the side of
the ravine, suspending him on the side of the ravine. He was
attempting to crawl up the suspension lines (dragging his ruck
still attached via the lowering line) to the tree when he was
finally located and pulled out of the ravine by his parachute by
several other Rangers.
Good times, good times...!
BOBBY REEVES:
Does anyone remember Bobby Reeves? This is part of a
conversation on Facebook regarding stuck lowering lines, etc.
At least you got it lowered - Bobby Reeves (old brown-boot E7
from Group - busted to E1 or E2, etc.) got his quick-releases
jammed on a mountain ruck...
The thrill of it arose in that the 141’s were piloted by Guard pilots
who were not used to dropping troops, even during daylight.
45
After the preliminary jump commands, when we all stood
up and hooked up, things got a little strange. From our
viewpoint (not being able to see a damn thing inside the
aircraft) we could tell something was a little off... the aircraft
was approaching the DZ at about the right speed, the door
was opened and the spoiler deployed. And then... we could
feel the aircraft losing altitude (I thought to myself - maybe he
was too high - the drop was to be conducted at 1250 feet AGL
- and he’s bleeding off altitude to get to the proper height).
The drop zone wasn’t all that long, and we had been briefed
not to dawdle and unass the bird ASAP so that the entire stick
would get out in time. As an aside, Jim Broyles was probably
next to me in the stick, either in front of me or behind me...
we seemed to get manifested together all the time.
and that of our CO. Plus we were jumping T10’s (highly
maneuverable - LOL), had to expend time dropping our rucks
on the lowering lines (time being a commodity we did not
have in abundance that night), at an altitude of approximately
6000 feet above sea level (thinner air - faster drop), and could
not easily see the ground.
I remember that my personal experience went something
like... shuffle... door... hop... SLAM (aircraft)... Holy Crap...
check canopy... check for jumpers (can’t see shit)... drop the
ruck... pull the leg quick release on weapons case... hands
on risers... feet and knees together... SLAM (damn that was
fast)... OWWWWWWW!!!
The monster cactus I was hung up in had spines about 2-4
inches long, but wasn’t poking me in the back or head (luckily
protected by the parachute harness and helmet), but that
wasn’t helping my ass, legs, or arms.
Suddenly, we could feel the pilot goose the throttles and the
noise from the door get extremely loud - you know when you
get used to jumping certain aircraft, how you can pretty much
tell from the sound when you’re at the right drop speed, etc.?
Well, we were well above that speed, with the nose pitched
up at a significant angle, and the door noise was serious. So...
THEN THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON!
After Larry Coleman and Colvin (I think) rescued me, our
CO (Doc Wentzel) got retrieved from his ravine, and we went
administrative so the medics could take care of all the injuries,
they secured a pair of pliers, so there I was, on the DZ, with
my pants down around my ankles, with Larry pulling bigassed spines out of my backside with a pair of pliers while he
and 3 or 4 others with flashlights were making wisecracks of
the usual nature. We went ahead and conducted the FTX, and
I was still finding little chunks of cactus spine embedded for a
few days... literally a pain in the ass...
What had happened was that the pilot had throttled back
to the nominal drop speed and configured the aircraft to
maintain altitude (he thought), and suddenly realized that
he was way to low approaching the DZ... So he increased
throttle and pulled the nose up to gain altitude. Once the light
came on, we departed the aircraft rapidly, as instructed, but,
unfortunately, instead of 1250 AGL, we exited at about 700
feet AGL, at speed tens of knots above nominal.
There are a few guys in this group that probably remember that
particular jump (Broyles, Moser, Bruce, Harrell, Parker, Aguilar...).
The medics were very busy that night. We had several leg, foot,
and ankle injuries, in addition to the “razor burns” suffered
by several Rangers when their helmets were ripped off as they
exited the aircraft, and the injuries from being “bounced” off
the side of the aircraft, etc.
On second thought, you could probably call it a high-speed
leadership reaction course... think I failed - it’s difficult to lead with
your pants down and everybody cracking jokes at your expense...!!
HEARD FROM:
Donald Aguilar - [email protected]
Eldon Bargewell - [email protected]
Richard S. Beahm - see Facebook
Richard Black – see Facebook
Jim Broyles - [email protected]
Donald Bruce - [email protected]
Steve Bump - [email protected]
Dave Clark - [email protected]
Larry Coleman - [email protected]
Richard J. Garcia - [email protected]
Bruce Falconer - [email protected]
Thomas Forde - [email protected]
Richard Foster (VII Corps LRRP Assn.) - [email protected]
Kirk Gibson - [email protected]
Stan Harrell – see Facebook
You know how when you jump a 141 you do the little “bunny
hop” out the door so that you don’t jump out past the spoiler
and fuse your chute and suspension lines from the jet blast?
We were mostly pretty experienced jumpers, and had seen
“cigarette rolls” and their effects, but also had never exited
a 141 via the door at that speed... the increased speed turns
the “bunny hop” into a “bunny slam” (against the side of
the aircraft). Sgt. McIntyre had his M16’s barrel completely
bent around his left leg from the impact with the aircraft. The
medics were very busy that night.
Once the pilot decided to compound his mistake, the actual
locations that jumpers would impact also changed, so now
we had people landing in ravines and other undesirable
areas, instead of the surveyed drop zone, hence my dilemma,
46
VII Corps LRRP November 15, 2011
Patrolling Report
Thomas Harris - [email protected]
Samuel (Daddy) Haugh - 719-275-3974
Lidio Kercado - [email protected]
Tim Leadbeater - [email protected]
Greg Luevano - [email protected]
Gary O’Neal - [email protected]
Kim Maxin - [email protected]
Mike Moser - [email protected]
Steve Murphy - [email protected]
Gene Newburn - [email protected]
Rob Olsen– see Facebook
James Parker - [email protected]
Greg Phillips - [email protected]
Don Purdy - [email protected]
Wild Bill Ramsdell - [email protected]
Jim Reynolds - [email protected]
Jeff Rice - [email protected]
Gary Scott - see Facebook
Pat Smith – see Facebook
Robert Lee Smith - [email protected]
[email protected]
Leo Starkey - [email protected]
Richard Stutsman - [email protected]
Lynn Thompson - [email protected]
Ricardo Torres - (check facebook)
Craig Vega - [email protected]
Cheryl Visel (Jon’s widow) - [email protected]
John Henry Voyles - 253-588-1179
Dave Walker - [email protected]
Sealon “Doc” Wentzel - [email protected]
Dirty Eddie White - [email protected]
Robert Wittwer - [email protected]
Bob Woolstrum - [email protected]
(If anyone notices an incorrect email address here, please
contact me so I can update it).
Winter submission
Richard Foster, President
Never underestimate the power of one. Tom Forde was able to
make contact with Chuck Straehl after some 50 years. Chuck
was one of the original members of the Company in 1961 and
later made a career out of the Army Reserves. Ironically, Cheryl
Visel discovered and bought his original JayHawk crest from an
antique store some 5-6 years ago. She bought it for $40, I think.
I suspect you’re wondering where this is all going; be patient.
Chuck was given an old set of names and serial numbers
from orders putting us on jump status, and has been able to
locate and make contact with eight of our guys, otherwise
lost to us, in his spare time. Don Heitman (heitmand@aol.
com /317-253-2925), Gerald Fox (gcdm6156@hotmail.
com /814-722-0121), Cal Dean ([email protected]
/304-366-0330), Robert Crews (850-892-5858), Paul Carlisle
[email protected] /205-822-8912), Tom Cassida (r.cassida.
[email protected] /719-382-5584), and John Barr (johnbarr621@
bellsouth.net /334-298-5937). Don Taufer’s in the works.
These guys never knew we existed outside of the Company
and most intend to make our off-year reunion in Harrisburg,
PA, July 20-23, 2012. I expect some 20-30 members at
Harrisburg next year. Those already committed are Dave
Clark, Jim Handlin, Dick Roach, Tom Forde, Steve Lengel,
Kirk Gibson, Freddie Bailey, Sam Storey, Zeke Evaro, Harlis
Kelly, John Fisher, Mike Holub, Theo Knaak, Don Wagaman,
Cheryl Visel, and I.
As for the itinerary, one has yet to be set, but Kirk Gibson
is our point and will set up arrangements. Plan on visiting
Gettysburg Battle Field, Hershey’s Chocolate factory, Fort
Carlisle, etc, not to mention C-ration-type free libations. We’ll
let you know the details once they’re set. Kirk e-mailed me an
account of his and others’ return to Germany and the World
War II sites. I hope to include it and its ensuing photos in
this submission, barring some anticipated cyber-world glitch
on my part. (INCLUDE THREE ATTACHMENTS HERE)
PLEASE NOTE THE UNIT DIRECTOR’S NEW EMAIL
ADDRESS, BELOW:
Some of the members of the unit should edit their address
books to correct my email address. My old email address no
longer works. So please check your email address books. I
don’t want to miss anything coming in from all you guys.
Sick Call: I spoke with Jim Joiner (the Jungle Man), finally. Jim’s
doing as well as can be expected, except that the pain is affecting
primarily his legs and hips. But Jim’s always been a tough
old bastard and is going to try and make the 101st Airborne
Division’s Snowbird reunion in Tampa in January. Go for it Jim;
we’d like to see you there and in Harrisburg. I think you can do
it! You guys can contact Jim at [email protected].
Until next time:
High Speed, Low Drag, & Keep Your Head Down.
(Especially all you guys still working in the Sandbox or the
Rockpile).
Marc L. Thompson
Unit Director
Tom Lake, [email protected], seems to be doing much
better, based upon some of the Wal-Martian e-mails he’s
putting out. If you haven’t seen them, take my advice and stay
PLEASE NOTE THE UNIT DIRECTOR’S NEW EMAIL
ADDRESS, ABOVE:
47
out of the Colorado Springs Walmart. I swear I saw him in a
couple of the photos. If so, I see why the ultra light crashed
--- it twern’t ultra light no more!
promotion by Theo Knaak to Pvt. E-10, I’m only an ex-Pvt.
Get with the program or we’ll start calling you that dreaded
L-word. ‘Nuff said. PS: Speaking of that, I heard from Bob
Bannon and his wife Ligia. They passed on a holiday greeting
to all and hope to retire in a couple of years. Maybe then, we’ll
see them at one or all of our “get togethers”. Keep working you
two --- those of us on Social Security need the security.
Tom Forde was able to track down Art Dolick, dna1938@
gmail.com, in CA. The last time we saw or heard from his
sorry ass was at our off-year reunion in Colorado Springs
many moons ago. Art’s doing better after his bout with cancer.
Side notes of some or little importance: 2012 dues are due in
January to Tom Forde, 80 Carolina Dr, New City, NY 10956.
They’re still $30 a year; Lifetime $300; same as 75th RRA
dues. You’ll be reminded all year, just in case your dementia
kicks in or you’re just plain cheap or you’re trying to scam us.
If you can’t afford it, tell Tom and we’ll cover it; just consider it
one of the few Entitlements you’ve earned and we don’t mind
paying. Its part of who we are.
I haven’t heard from Diane or John Repecko, revlingdoor@
aol.com. The last I heard from Diane, he was losing weight
badly and was well below his fighting weight. Hang in there
John and Diane. Let us know how you guys are doing. You’ve
got friends out here.
And lastly, I haven’t heard from Jim Jackson, jrjack101@
yahoo.com (706-561-0001) in some time. After suffering his
stroke, he was recuperating amazing well; making plans to get
on with his life the way it was and helping others. He devised
a little bottle gizmo to help stroke victims regain their fine
motor skills and had already run out of the ones he made.
Give Jim a buzz if you think you can benefit from his little
invention. If you’re not taking care of your blood pressure and
cholesterol now, you might want to contact Jim while you’re
able. A stroke, aside from being a silent killer, is a bitch to live
with --- for you and your loved ones. See your Doc regularly
and get it under control!
Cheryl Visel’s Airborne Supply Store expects to be at our
Reunion. For those of you out of the loop, Cheryl is John
Visel’s widow, but still one of us. At the last reunion, I ordered
a personalized jacket from her and it turned out to be much
better than I expected. And I, believe it or not, have high
standards! She can do anything with her sewing machine and
supply of patches. I’m not sure if she’s doing e-mail or phone
business or both, but she can be contacted at [email protected]
or 517-596-2908 or (c)517-937-1441. You can also check out
her back-cover page ad in Patrolling.
This little side note on Sick Call: Guys, we don’t know how
you’re doing if we don’t communicate with each other. I get
a lot of shit in e-mail, as I’m sure you do; however, if we have
time to send or read it, then we should be able to make time
for a little personal “What’s up?” note to one another. Just like
I said above about the Power of One, we may not really know
or remember each other after 50 odd years, but we damn sure
know somebody who knows somebody, who knows somebody
else, and so on. Spread the word for God’s and each other’s
sake. I’d like to make that a Direct Order, but except for my
That’s about it, Rangers. If you get a chance or inclination,
check in on Mark Thompson’s (B Co Rangers) Ranger
Facebook. It’s a damn good setup, whether you like FB or not.
Til then, Stay inside the box --- your volunteering days are
almost over.
Dick Foster, President
VII Corps LRRP Assoc.
[email protected]
(c) 352-281-0983 (wk’ends pref – they’re free minutes!)
C/75 - E/20 LRP
Unit Director - Del Ayers
THANKS
paternal and maternal) engaging in conversations at picnics
about their WWII experiences and exploits. Uncle Don lost a
leg at Normandy with the Rangers, Uncle Bob having his ship
sank in the Straits, Uncle Ted crawling up the beach of IWO,
and Uncle Jim blown off a ship in the South Pacific.
My father served gallantly in WWII.
As he crawled from the FOP as the sole
survivor of an artillery spotter patrol on
Mt Vasso hit by a German 88 he was
treated by a medic and sat on a mule
which took him to the rear.
As the years passed the stories faded. The one regret that remained
for each of my Uncles and my Father was that they had not been
able to Thank the men who sacrificed to save their lives. These
warriors were never able to thank their brave benefactors.
Del Ayers
After two years rehab he met and married
my mother. As a close family I can remember my Uncles (both
48
C/75 - E/20 LRP (Continued)
Trip to see Daryl Presley
I chose to enlist for Airborne and serve as a
warrior in Vietnam. E20 Team 44 Feb 19,
1968 was in a fight to the death in Cambodia.
Thanks to Lt. Bob Stein the 0-1 Pilot Don was
in attendance at our reunion in 2011. Don’s
diligence and radio relay and coordination of
assets were critical to Team 44’s extraction on
Feb 19, 1968.
By: Del Ayers
Tom and Ann drove to Murfreesboro to let
Sharon and Ann hang out while Tom and Ray
drove to Toledo to meet Bob and hang out
with “the Elvis”.
I planned to fly to Nashville and ride with Ray
and Tom, but Delta could not get me there, so
I got a rental car in Cincinnati and drove to
Toledo to meet them.
Lt. Stein was in St. Louis with Oscar Carroway
attending a reunion. While at the registration
desk they spoke with a gentleman named Jim.
As the conversation grew Jim related that on
Feb 19, 1968 he had flown an extraction mission
for a Long Range Patrol team in Cambodia.
Tom, Ray, Bob and I had a great visit with
Daryl Presley. We have talked on several
occasions but I had not seen Elvis since Sept
68. Bob had to leave early but Elvis took Tom, Ray and I to
dinner at Toledo’s upscale Japanese chop and cook it at your
table restaurant.
Jim remembered the date because he was not scheduled to
fly as Feb 19 is his birthday. He did not want to die on his
birthday. His quiet personal day was put aside and he and his
crew galvanized into action to pull a Long Range Patrol out of
a desperate fire fight to the death.
The next morning Daryl met us for breakfast and brought
Bubba to see us off. I’m not sure that Bubba and I parted
friends. Half a sausage link was less than he expected. I’m sure
that Bubba will forgive me in time.
Jim and his gunship crew forced an overwhelming NVA force
back from Chippergates 44 position enabling our patrol to be
extracted by both jungle penetrator and McGuire rigs.
The drive back to Nashville for Tom, Ray and I was filled with
memorable stories and solving issues we Vietnam comrades
and Veterans face.
My Father and Uncles are gone now and I am sure they have now
been able to thank their brave comrades of WWII. Perhaps these
old warriors conspired to allow me to personally Thank Don
and Jim. I hold out hope that I will be able to thank the others
involved in the Feb 19th rescue. If not now I’ll find you later.
Ray had petitioned for an earned Purple Heart last year.
We found the petition to the board had not been correctly
submitted. Ray’s petition is now in the hands of the Army
Board of Corrections. My expectation is that I will be able to
announce in the spring issue that Ray has been awarded his
earned Purple Heart while serving with E20 LRP ABN.
Chippergates 44 was lost. We were not willing to quit. Our
resolve was equaled by young men who we did not know.
Dashing by air to yank ground pounders to safety.
We were five warriors and we would never surrender. Five
warriors came out alive that day because men we didn’t even
know fought tenaciously to rescue fellow warriors.
“CUDOS”
To those who rush to save brothers you do not know your
valor will never be forgotten.
2011 Reunion is now a memory. We who attended are home
safe. Special Thanks to Bones and Milt for their diligence and
planning.
By: Del Ayers
My Grandfather was never able to thank the man who gave
him a mask to ward off the mustard gas in the trenches and my
father and uncles were never able to thank their benefactors.
We of Chippergates E20 LRP ABN have been able to thank
two of our unknown and perhaps with some good luck we will
be able to find the others.
Special recognition to Mrs. Lonnie Dolan, Gary Dolan’s
mother who was there to attend his induction into the Ranger
Hall of Fame. Although she was scheduled to return home
Thursday she was able to re-schedule her flight and stay on
until Sunday. At 87 years young Lonnie’s dynamic energy,
quick wit, infectious humor and insight quickly gained her the
respect and love of all. When Gary bid everyone goodnight
Friday evening and went off to bed “Momma” Lonnie remained
long after to visit with each of us.
WWI to Afghanistan has left young warriors with “I owe”. We
who were saved may never know your name but we will never
forget your heroism.
49
I would also like to say a special thanks to the wives and
significant others who sent their men and to those who
attended and let their men frequently abandon them to hang
with their brothers.
Milt Hendrickson and Darryl Benton will continue to assist
and coordinate the 2013 reunion, any other volunteers would
be greatly appreciated. It was voted that the 2013 reunion
would be held at the Wingate hotel again.
2011 Fort Benning Reunion
BRIDGE DEDICATION
By: Milt Hendrickson
By: Darryl “Bones” Benton
The 2011 E20/C75 reunion was a great success with a number
of first time reunion attendees. Before I go any further there
are some names that need to be recognized for their assistance
in enabling me to organize some events. First I would like to
say thanks to all the below mentioned names, Ranger Smokey
Wells for putting me on the right track to set up the Honor
Guard, next Ms Linda Davis Regimental admin assistant for
providing me with a point of contact for the Honor Guard,
and SMG Ballesteros for providing the Honor Guard and
lastly the Regimental Special Troop Battalion who provided
the smart looking Rangers that were the Honor Guard.
I would like to say it started with an email I received a few weeks
ago on the 5th of June 2011 . The email just said “Hey, there is
a family, the Robinson family, looking for someone that knew
their Uncle and Brother in Vietnam ”. His name is Loyd E.
Robinson. In particular they are looking for Darryl “Bones”
Benton who was with Charlie Rangers in Vietnam 70-71.
At first I kind of went into shock. The last forty years I have
tried to keep closet doors from busting open that hold back
memories I’m not sure I want to dwell on any more. While
I’m proud as hell to have participated and been part of Charlie
Company Rangers in Vietnam, it’s some times tough to relive
the bad moments. I remember the day we lost Loyd, “Robbie”
as we called him. Suddenly upon receiving this email I could
hear the contact on the radio again. I heard the radio saying one
KIA. No name. I ran through my head the members I knew
on that team. At this time we were not receiving replacements
and we only could put together a few teams of veteran troops
at any given time. I knew Warner was out there and Robinson.
To this day I cannot remember who else.
This years reunion was a special reunion as I mentioned earlier
we had some first time attendees, but also the unit had the
pleasure of seeing another one of our comrades inducted into
the Ranger Hall Of Fame, Congratulation Gary Dolan, with
Gary’s induction that makes 2 members of the unit inducted 2
years in a row, an honor for them and a lot of pride for our unit.
Other memorable moments included Gary Dolan’s Mother
Lonnie she was a real trooper at 86 she out lasted most of us
staying up listening to stories and telling a few of her own
( we love you momma Lonnie ) other events included our
memorial to our fallen brothers, the Infantry museum tour
which everybody enjoyed, some saying they could spend an
entire day there and our dinner and our raffle after the dinner
in which funds were raised for the unit fund.
You see, it did not start on June 5th, 2011, it started way back
on 4th of July, 1970.
It started in a snack bar at Ft. Benning, Ga. Where I met Loyd
Robinson and Steve Mantooth a couple of troops who were
there for the same reason as I. We were there to be turned
in to Paratroopers. We became Paratroopers over the next 4
weeks after the 4 th of July ended. As anyone can tell you who
have been there, Jump school does not leave time to socialize
much. Any friendships are developed during chow hall breaks
or moments before falling into exhaustive slumber.
Saturday morning we held our Bi-Annual business meeting.
There was not much in the way of old business discussed.
A few minutes were given over to Vaughn Davidson to ask
if anyone was lacking the receipt of earned medals to please
contact him and he will help in that effort. New Officers
were elected for the next two years, Darryl (Bones) Benton
as President, Milt Hendrickson as Vice President, James
Worth as Secretary, Dean Baker as Treasurer, Gary O’Neal as
Sgt. At Arms, Tom Bragg as Chaplin and Del Ayers Vet Rep.
Discussions were held about next years mini reunion to be
held in Colorado Springs near Fort Carson. John “LT” Eder,
Gary O’Neal, and Joe Hayes volunteered to set this reunion
up. It was decided that we should start the 2013 Fort Benning
reunion earlier in the week so as to have more time to coincide
with the Ranger Rendezvous and change of command and be
able to interact more with the young Rangers before they leave
after the change of command.
We all three made it out of Jump School and went on a nice
bus ride to Ft. Bragg NC to become Special Forces Troops. We
jumped into Camp McCall and went through 5 more weeks
of grueling training. To this day, I’m not sure after it was over
where I blew it, but apparently I did and so did Mantooth and
Robinson. We all said goodbye one night in the barracks for
the next day we were all going home for 12 days and then we
had to report to Ft. Lewis Washington. We said our goodbyes
and off we all went to our perspective home states. When
we ever met again, we would be Airborne Infantry Troops in
Vietnam.
50
I’m not sure when Robinson or Mantooth got to Cam Rahn
Bay. I got there and was wandering around on my first day
waiting to be assigned to a unit when I bumped into Mantooth.
I asked Mantooth if he had run into Robinson and he said no.
I took Mantooth and we went surfing. That’s a different story.
June 5th, 2011 I picked up the phone and called the niece
of Lloyd Robinson her name is Beverly Nissel. I told her my
name was Darryl “Bones” Benton. I told her I knew her uncle
and had served with him in Vietnam. She got pretty excited;
I got tears in my eyes. It seemed like yesterday I was with her
Uncle. She told me she was the young age of 12 when we were
in Vietnam. I thought your Uncle and I were the young age of
19 when we were in Vietnam. Lloyd Robinson was KIA at 21
years old; I was only 20 at the time.
The next day we received our orders for the 173rd Airborne
Brigade. Upon arriving at CharangValley, the 173rd
Headquarters we ran into Loyd Robinson. He was just a
day ahead of us. We pulled some guard duty and went on
the outside of the perimeter on a day patrol with a bunch of
noisy troops. It was uneventful, thank goodness. That evening
as we were about to go to chow a truck pulled into the base
camp. A tall rather lanky Sgt. Bolton stepped out of the truck
and wanted an audience. A small formation was arranged for
anyone who may want to listen to what he had to say. Sgt.
Bolton was a Charlie Ranger. He told us if we wanted to stay
alive we should probably get on his truck and volunteer for
Charlie Rangers. He told us we would have to endure some
more OJT, on the job training, but our chances of staying alive
would be greater if we fought in a smaller more trained unit.
Beverly said they were going to dedicate and name a bridge in
West Virginia to her Uncle Lloyd. She asked if I would please
be there, it would mean a lot to Lloyd’s brothers and sisters.
I told her it would mean a lot to me. She told me the family
would be honored if I would be there. I told her it would be
an Honor for me to attend. She asked if I had any pictures I
could send. I said I would begin immediately to send the few
I had. She asked if I knew any other Rangers that knew Lloyd
and might want to attend. I told her I would try and find the
ones I knew. This was going to happen in two weeks on the
24th of June 2011 . Exactly 40 years and 13 days from the day
I heard that loudspeaker say one KIA. I hung up and cried for
awhile or maybe I just had some shit in my eyes.
The training that followed was intense but without a lot of
bullshit. Even if we stayed and passed the training we would
have to be accepted by a team of veteran Rangers if we were
to stay attached to this group. Robinson, Mantooth and I all
became Charlie Rangers. We were all put on different teams.
Mantooth and I went to the 4th platoon and Robinson to the
1st platoon. After my first mission with the 4th platoon I was
sent to the 1st platoon who at that time was located in Pleiku.
Bolton was there, Doc Gove was there along with Robinson
and I. We were a tight knit group in Pleiku away from the rest
of the company. 1st platoon had about three working teams
so I never ran on the same team as Robinson because they
always tried to put newer troops with older troops to even
things out. That’s where I met Warner we were on team 1-5.
Robinson was with McCabe and Spearman on team 1-3. We
ran missions out of Pleiku for the next 4 months. We joined
the rest of the company in Ahn Khe at the first part of March.
The company had lost Thorne and Scott the latter part of
February. The base camp of Ahn Khe had shrunk to the size
of a mole hill and a runway when we arrived back. The field
was HOT with gooks. The missions were intense and there
was not much stand down time between them. We lost Sgt.
Spearman that month. We had a few wounded over the next
two months and there were no more replacements however a
few new troops arrived but the company was getting ready to
stand down soon. On June 11, 1971 Loyd Robinson became
Charlie Ranger’s last KIA.
I then called Gary Dolan who had passed around through
the internet the call to “Ranger Up”, we had a mission to
accomplish. I told Gary I was going be there. He asked if I
would do the Fallen Eagle Ceremony, I told him I would if
we could get enough Rangers to show up. It was very short
notice. Immediately I heard from Ranger Gordon Hockman,
75th Ranger from 1981 through 1984. C company 1st Bat. He
told me he lived in eastern West Virginia and would show up
and support the effort. Thank goodness this Ranger made the
effort. He showed up with his lovely wife and added a whole
lot of class and some real beauty to the rest of the ugly, I mean
seasoned looking Rangers that showed up. Joe Hayes drove
in from Detroit, Luke Bolton drove in from Raleigh, North
Carolina, Gary O’Neal drove in from Raiford North Carolina
and Steve “Doc” Gove rode his motorcycle from Kansas with
his dog Toto. OK, maybe Doc did not have a dog. When you
included me, we had a six man team present and accounted for.
We met the family the first night at the home of Nettie Gregory,
Lloyd’s sister. There we also met Col. Kevin Gregory an active
duty Artillery Officer and Lloyd’s nephew. Loyd had another
nephew, Ranger Benjamin C. Dillion who was KIA 10/06/07,
B Co. 3/75th There we had a great food off the grill and a lot
of neighborly West Virginia hospitality. We became part of
Lloyd’s family, or maybe Loyd’s family became part of us. We
all got comfortable with each other and then went through
what was to take place the next day. It was humbling, tearful,
and at times down right full of laughter and a comfortable
I can still hear the radio over the base camp loud speaker
saying we have one KIA.
51
peace came over us all. The Robinson family was feeling
closure and the Ranger team was feeling the mood.
“From my foxhole, I appreciate what you have done for our
nation and our military,” Gregory said.
The following was written in the Intermountain News:
Born Feb. 17, 1950, Robinson was the 10th of 13 children
born to Richard Charles and Adeline Williams Robinson. His
sisters, Lena Nissel, Grace Alderman, Nettie Gregory, Betty
Mitchell, Hazel Blake and Kathyrn Craig, along with three
surviving brothers, Jim, Roscoe and Johnny, were all presented
with copies of the state resolution and with copies of the
Department of Highways signs that marks each side of the
bridge. The sons of three deceased brothers of Robinson, Rick,
Jackie and George, also received the resolution and sign.
Bridge renamed for Roanoke man
Robinson was killed by enemy fire in Vietnam
June 25, 2011
By John Wickline - Staff Writer, The Inter-Mountain
The nephew of a fallen Army Ranger told those who gathered
on a bridge over a wind-swept Stonewall Jackson Lake Friday
that they should remember the words of Gen. George S. Patton.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died,” said
Col. Kevin Gregory, whose uncle SP4 Lloyd Eugene Robinson
was killed 40 years ago this month while on patrol in Vietnam.
“Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”
Contact John Wickline by email at jwickline@theinter
mountain.com.
The ceremony took place on a clouded Friday morning,
however it did not rain, it was rather comfortable. Our six
man Ranger team was received with the utmost honor and
respect. For me it was a wonderful welcome home and thank
you from a very large group consisting of various Robinson
family members and local town folks.
Family, friends and those who served with the Roanoke man
gathered on Oil Creek Road to see a bridge dedicated in
Robinson’s memory. Robinson graduated from Lewis County
High School in 1969 and, like his older brothers, joined the
military. He enlisted in the Army and earned his way into
an elite Ranger unit, Company C of the 75th Infantry. He
was killed by enemy fire on June 11, 1971, nine months after
being sent overseas.
After the ceremony we all proceeded to the fellowship hall
down the street where we had refreshments and a get together
with a lot of the local folks and family. We then went to the
Mountaineer Military Museum in downtown Weston, run
by Ron and Barb McVaney. Ron is a Khe Sahn siege Marine
Vietnam Veteran. There Barb had set up a Memorial to Lloyd
in the front yard. We toured the Museum and talked with the
locals. It was a moving tribute to all of West Virginia’s fallen
Sons.
“We talk about freedom, but this is where we understand what
the price of freedom really is,” said West Virginia Sen. Doug,
D-Braxton.
The resolution to name the bridge in Robinson’s memory
came from Delegate Peggy Donaldson Smith, D-Lewis. She
said the bridge just off U.S. 19 south of Weston is the perfect
spot for honoring one of America’s fallen heroes.
We then headed up the road to Lloyd’s grave site with niece
Beverly, our tour guide and Ranger sister for the entire three
days. We placed a wreath at Lloyd’s gravesite and paid our
respects to our fallen Ranger brother.
“He played here as a child,” she said. “He jumped in the river
here before we had the lake. It’s so peaceful and calm here.”
Darryl “Bones” Benton, who served in Vietnam with
Robinson, recalled a man who was always positive, “true to
himself, his country, and his God.”
The next day we were guest at the Robinson family reunion
where we were all given West Virginia Base Ball Hats and made
official sons of West Virginia and the Robinson family. If ever
you are asked to “Ranger Up” for such a ceremony, show up.
It meant a whole lot to Lloyd’s family, and it perpetuates our
history as a unit and shows the world we still take care of our
fallen brothers. It should be the mission of each and every one
of us, until the last survivor.
“Loyd, like many members, volunteered for the Army at a
time when many young men were trying not to get drafted,”
Benton said.
Gregory said he listened to the stories of the men who served
with his uncle, and he told the audience those veterans may
not even realize the impact they have on today’s soldiers. He
said many of those serving today strive to honor the memories
of those fighting men and women who came before them.
Bones
Darryl Benton, C/75th, 70-71
52
June 27, 2011
ECHO LRP/CHARLIE RANGER ASSN., INC.
WARNING ORDER (Revised 11/11/11)
Happy Veterans Day!!!
GATHERING OF RANGER WARRIORS, HH6’s, RANGER
SISTERS, AND FAMILIES @ THE COLORADO SPRINGS
RADISSON HOTEL.
1 – 4 August, 2012.
(Search www.radisson.com/coloradospringsco_airport)
2 adjoining suites/party rooms. Large meeting room daily.
Free breakfast daily. Free shuttle from Colorado Springs
Airport. Only minutes from Ft. Carson. Pikes Peak, Garden
of the Gods, US Air Force Academy, cool weather, and lots of
other activities including beautiful golf courses and scenery.
Gary “Big O” O’Neal has many contacts with the 10th Special
Forces Group stationed at Ft. Carson and will get us a tour or
something special. He was at Ft. Carson last week.
Steve “Doc” Gove,
Darryl “Bones” Benton
and Gary O’Neal.
Bob Stein and Oscar
Caraway.
***We will have a banquet on Friday, 3 August at 1800 hours.
***You may book your rooms beginning 18 November, 2011,
at $99.00 per night (discounted rate). Mention you are part of
the August, 2012 Ranger Gathering. OPERATIONS ORDER
WILL FOLLOW ASAP! L-T
Rangers and Robinson Family members at Bridge.
Ranger Wives, Significant others and of course
“Momma” Lonnie.
Oscar Caraway.
Milt Hendrickson.
After the Starlight Patrol.
Lloyd Robinson.
C/75 Rangers at Fallen Heroes Ceremony.
53
D/75
Unit Director - Richard “Herd” Nelson
No Submission
E/75 - E/50 LRP - 9TH DIV LRRP
Unit Director - Rick Stetson
No Submission
F/75 - F/50 LRP - 25TH DIV LRRP
Unit Director - Tim Walsh
Greetings!
rooms left they have made arrangements
for an alternative hotel not too far away
at:
I’d like to start by
thanking everyone
who
attended
the
last
75th
Ranger
Regiment
Association reunion
Tim Walsh
(July 25-30, 2011 in
Columbus, GA). Dave Regenthal took
numerous pictures including a great shot
of all the guys who were there (see website:
lrrp.com). Co. F had about 42 guys in
attendance - many brought their families
as well.
The Spring Hill Suites
250 Athens Way
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-244-5474
Dave Regenthal has started a Co. F
Facebook page for us. Please contact
Dave, Bill Mrkvicka or me to get access.
We want to keep access restricted to only
LRRP/LRP/Ranger guys, no family,
friends, ex-wives, etc. And we’re going to
keep the content relevant to Co. F. No
political ramblings, please. There are
numerous other avenues for that kind of social networking.
We have over 35 members so far! I understand that you have
to already be on Facebook to be granted access to the 25thID/
LRRP/Ranger page. So get involved and join us on Facebook.
It’s a great way to keep up to the minute on all things LRRP/
LRP/ Co. F.
During the Co. F “business meeting” at
the reunion we discussed an off-year reunion. It was decided
that we should finally take ¾ Cav up on its continuing offer
to attend one of their reunions. This is the proverbial “winwin” situation for Co. F. They have done all the ground work,
getting the accommodations, setting the agenda, arranging
for activities… all that stuff. All we have to do is show up
and enjoy. A little background; the ¾ Cav association
(“Mackenzie’s Raiders”) has been having reunions for, well,
forever. They have invited “the LRRPs” from the 25th Infantry
Div (including Co. F) for the past several reunions. Marshall
Huckaby and others have attended a few of these reunions and
has had nothing but good things to say about them. So our
next off-year reunion will be May 16-20, 2012 in Nashville.
It might be too late to take advantage of the special ¾ Cav
reunion rate, but here’s the reservation info:
I have had a few requests for more patches, pins, coins, decals,
stickers, belt buckles, t-shirts, polo shirts, bobbleheads and
other Co. F stuff. Okay, maybe not so much the bobbleheads.
Marshall Huckaby is looking into ordering coins, stickers,
patches and belt buckles. If you’re interested in buying any
of those items, go to the lrrp.com webpage or you can let me
know on Facebook or by email at [email protected].
I have two of the “Cassilly” F/75 polo shirts available. Both
are large, one is the “patriotic” (red, white and blue collar) and
the other is white. Both have the F/75 scroll. You can see an
example on our Quartermaster link from the lrrp.com page.
Those polos are $37.00 a piece. Let me know.
Millennium Maxwell House Nashville
2025 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37228-1505
Phone: 615-259-4343
If the Millennium Maxwell House does not have any “¾ Cav“
54
F/75 - F/50 LRP - 25TH DIV LRRP (Continued)
A recurring theme is the question of whether anyone would be
interested in going back to Vietnam. I have had a couple guys
tell me they have been back and liked it. One guy has been
back twice. Once much earlier and again a couple of years
ago. He says he’s glad he went back early, because he didn’t
like it nearly as much the second time. So I’ll ask the question;
Is there any interest in going back? If there is, we may be able
to arrange some sort of tour or package deal. Keep in mind
that the one thing everybody who has returned to Vietnam
says about going back is that it ain’t cheap. My personal view
is that I’d rather spend my limited vacation funds closer to
home. And even if I hit the Lotto my preference would be to
go back to Hawaii (Aloha, Pineapple!) or the Caribbean. But
if there’s enough interest we’ll look into it.
while in Vietnam is presumed to contribute to the development
of Ischemic Heart Disease. Ischemic Heart Disease involved
a reduction of blood flow and oxygen to the heart. There is
usually a buildup of cholesterol and other substances, called
plaque, in the arteries that bring oxygen to the heart muscle
tissue. Over time, this damages and weakens the heart muscle
making it difficult for the heat to fill and pump blood to the
rest of the body. I urge you to go to the following website to
learn more about Ischemic Heart Disease from the VA:
www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/
ischemicheartdisease.asp#research.
Co. F’s own Joe Cassilly has been named Outstanding Disabled
Veteran of 2011 by the DAV. We congratulate Joe on his
career as Assistant State’s Attorney since 1982 and decadeslong commitment to fight for disabled peoples’ rights.
Speaking of Marshall Huckaby. He’s been very busy doing
some great things for the Co. F family. He had a company
near him make a Co. F banner to use at reunions and other
Co. F functions. He had our guidon sent to the troops in ¾
Cav in Afghanistan. And also sent a box of cigars to the ¾
Cav troops over in ‘Stan. They certainly appreciate both, but
are really looking forward to “lighting up” one of the cigars
11/11/11 in honor of all our fallen comrades. Thank you
Marshall from all of us!
That’s it for this issue of Patrolling. I will be sending an issue
of the Co. F Pointman newsletter to everybody on the Co.
F mailing list. It contains much of the same info so if you
already know most of the stuff in this article, bear with me.
Live long and prosper
IMPORTANT! Ischemic Heart Disease. At the 75thRRA
reunion in Columbus earlier this summer Dan Nate reported
that the VA has recognized that exposure to Agent Orange
Tim Walsh
[email protected]
313-590-6673
G/75 - E/51 LRP - 196TH LRRP
Unit Director - Steve Crabtree
Steve Crabtree submitted
an article for this issue
of the magazine, but I,
exercising the editor’s
prerogative,
hi-jacked
his article for the feature
article section of this
issue of the magazine,
Steve Crabtree
because I felt that the
story of a Medal of Honor winner was a matter
of general interest. (See the Pruden article.) I
do want the record to reflect that Steve fulfilled
his obligation and the reason these hallowed
pages are blank, rests entirely with me.
John Chester
55
H/75 - E/52 LRP - 1ST CAV LRRP
Unit Director - William T. Anton
A NEW STRATEGY FOR
AMERICA’S WAR ON
TERRORISM
Bernard Lewis, a leading Middle East scholar,
states that the total nonfossil fuel exports
of the Arab countries (about 300 million
people) amount to less than those of Finland,
a country of only five million inhabitants.3
Brigitte Gabriel, raised amid Lebanon’s civil
war, points out that in 1998, a grand total of
three technology patents were granted to the
entire Arab world, whereas the Republic of
Korea, with about one-eighth the population,
received 779. Moreover, one-third of Arab
men and half of Arab women are illiterate.4
America’s current thinking on how to defeat
radical Islamists is split along two very different
schools of thought. Republicans, following
what is known as the Bush Doctrine, advocate
the military model of taking the fight to the
enemy and seeking to democratize the Middle
East. Democrats, by contrast, propose the law
enforcement model of better cooperation with
nations and more security at home. Although
we have implemented aspects of both policies,
the way forward is anything but clear. For
one thing, our fight against terrorism is
complicated by the fact that we are not fighting
standing armies. Estimates are, about 15
percent of the world’s Muslims either support
or have mixed feelings of terrorism against us.1 This amounts
to some 250 million people, scattered across dozens of ethnic
groups and nations, including many countries friendly to the
United States. This small but dangerous minority is united by
a fanatical hatred of the West.
Too often, Arab leaders stand silent or, worse
join the hatred when their people lash out.
Radical Shiites imposed harsh Sharia law in
Iran and have de facto control of Lebanon
through funding the terrorist organization
Party of God, more commonly known as
Hezbollah. Iran also funds Palestinian Islamic Jihad and
Palestinian Hamas, the Zionist Resistance Movement. In Iraq,
the Shiite majority, currently led by Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki, will stay in power whether democracy succeeds or not.
The Sunnis, who are the vast majority of the world’s 1.6 billion
Muslims, have plenty of radicals of their own. Salafism (also
known as “Wahhabism”), a conservative branch of Sunni
Islam, is the state religion of Saudi Arabia. Radical Sunnis
control Syria via the Baath Party, and the Gaza Strip via
Hamas. Indeed, the United States’ two archenemies, al-Qaeda
and the Taliban, are Sunni. Al-Qaeda was spawned primarily
by Arabs, the Taliban by Pakistanis. And the Taliban continues
to threaten Pakistan, a dubious U.S. ally whose popular
support for our policies has dipped to the lowest among our
Muslim allies.5
America needs to move beyond criticizing President George
W. Bush. Yes, the purported threat of Iraqi weapons of mass
destruction was based on poor intelligence and did not
materialize. But it’s also true that Coalition forces toppled
a brutal dictator and introduced Iraq and Afghanistan to
democracy, which, if successful, may spill into nearby nations,
making the world safer.
Unfortunately, democracy can’t be thrust on people who think
of security only in tribal terms. Democracy involves a lot more
than casting ballots or people wildly demanding change in the
streets. It requires rule of law, enfranchisement of minorities,
intolerance of corruption, a free press, private property rights,
religious liberty, and a transparent economy.
Where Do We Go from Here?
We are waging our fight against terrorism conventionally, in
much the same way we fought in Vietnam. This type of warfare—
pitting riflemen against riflemen—produces high casualties and
plays into the enemy’s strength of tolerating losses that we would
find unacceptable. And as in Vietnam, we assured the Iraqis
and Afghans that their struggle was vital to our security, which
encouraged both nations to let us carry the fight.
Geographical Perspective
Why has the Arab world been eclipsed by the West and so many
East Asian nations? Mort Zuckerman, editor in chief of U.S.
News and World Report, perhaps said it most aptly: “Their
governments are inept and undemocratic . . . their societies
riddled by class privilege and corruption, their economies
inefficient and backward. . . . Their problem is systemic: Until
they shed their neurotic and outmoded resentment of the rest
of the world, they will fail.”2
This strategy won’t work. We must limit our military activity to
those arenas where we can wield superior weaponry. Protracted
guerrilla wars are wars of attrition, and winning requires the
support of the people. If the local people are unwilling to step
forward in adequate numbers with adequate determination to
56
H/75 - E/52 LRP - 1ST CAV LRRP (Continued)
win their own fight, we must cut to the chase and recognize, in
months rather than years, that they were never really motivated
to begin with. We can still support those whose aims coincide
with ours, but only with arms—not with more of our sons’
and daughters’ blood.
In the introduction of the U.S. Army / Marine Corps
Counterinsurgency Field Manual, Sarah Sewall states the
need for “U.S. forces to make securing the civilian, rather
than destroying the enemy, their top priority. The civilian
population is the center of gravity—the deciding factor in
the struggle. . . . Civilian deaths create an extended family of
enemies—new insurgent recruits or informants––and erode
support of the host nation.” Sewall sums up the book’s key
points on how to win this battle: “Sometimes, the more you
protect your force, the less secure you may be. . . . Sometimes,
the more force is used, the less effective it is. . . . The more
successful the counterinsurgency is, the less force can be used
and the more risk must be accepted. . . . Sometimes, doing
nothing is the best reaction.”6 This strategy, often termed
“courageous restraint,” has certainly led to some success on
the Middle East battlefield, yet it fails to address the central
truth: the terrorists we face are mostly homegrown.
We lost the Vietnam War, but we won the larger Cold War
because the Soviets’ economy imploded. We can win this war
by focusing on our real fight: the global economic challenge.
For America to remain a beacon of hope, justice, and economic
opportunity, we must reduce our national debt of $14 trillion
and promote superior education and the free market. For
without an educated people and a robust economy—one
supported by productivity, not by indebting ourselves to
countries that do not have our best interests at heart—we
will forever be obstructed by fossilized organizations such as
the United Nations. Or, worse, we will lose our technological
edge and fall subject to the whims of China or unscrupulous
coalitions led by Russia or Iran.
First Vietnam and now our “war on terror” should be teaching
us to choose both the battle and the way we fight it very
carefully. Nation building is enormously expensive. And in a
country hopelessly mired in corruption, tribalism, religious
strife, and just plain old reactionary intransigence, it’s flat-out
impossible. Sometimes, doing little or nothing abroad is the
best course. Keeping 47,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and 96,000 in
Afghanistan only diverts us from focusing our brains, brawn,
and technology on the real threat: domestic security and the
global economic challenge. And this misallocation of our
resources enables our real enemies to laugh while we continue
to bleed. America is a big country. We can admit our mistakes,
step away from peripheral fights, and still stand tall.
Our war against terrorism has diverted too much of our
human and economic capital ($1.2 trillion for Iraq and
Afghanistan so far, according to the Congressional Budget
Office). Why can’t our Arab allies send troops or deliver the
financial aid they promised following Saddam Hussein’s fall in
2003? We must acknowledge that we can’t win this war with
infantry and tanks. We can lose it, though—by being afraid
to call the terrorists what they are, by not acknowledging that
we’re fighting radical Islamists, or by thinking we can appease
those same radicals by closing Gitmo. Terrorists captured
abroad have a special status. They’re not POWs, nor are they
domestic criminals, who have the U.S. constitutional right
to be imprisoned here. Gitmo provides an optimum remote
and secure environment safely operated by the military. And
meanwhile, we can still take the fight to our enemies as we did
with Osama Bin Laden, not with regular military forces but
covertly through the CIA, State Department, FBI and specialops soldiers, or by tactical air strikes.
1
www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/pdf/feb09/STARTII_Feb09_rpt.pdf
Mort Zuckerman, “The Triumph of Desert Storm,” U.S. News and World
Report, March 11, 1991, 76.
3
Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong? (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002).
4
Brigitte Gabriel, Because They Hate (New York: St. Martins Press, 2006).
5
Pew Research Center Global Attitude Project, “Obama More Popular
Abroad than at Home, Global Image of U.S. Continues to Benefit,” June
17, 2010, pewglobal.org/files/pdf/Pew-Global-Attitudes-Spring-2010Report.pdf (accessed Aug. 27, 2010).
6
Sarah Sewall, introduction to The U.S. Army / Marine Corps
Counterinsurgency Field Manual (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007).
2
Yes, many Muslims hate us. But we would do well to
remember that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 came not from
enemy combatants living abroad but from civilians living
here. And those who tried to destroy our transatlantic aircraft
with liquid explosives in 2006, as well as those who planned
mass murder at Kennedy Airport and Fort Dix in 2007,
were well-educated Muslim citizens from friendly nations.
And the 2007 suicidal firebombing at Glasgow Airport and
the thwarted attack at London’s Luton Airport, as well as the
2009 Fort Hood massacre, were by Muslim medical doctors
residing in country. In 2010, we had the failed car bombing
at Times Square, also by someone of privilege, wealth, and a
good education, who lived right here.
_______________________________________________
Robert C. Ankony, PhD, is a sociologist who writes
criminological, firearms, and military articles for scientific
and professional journals and special-interest magazines. He
served as an Army Ranger in Vietnam and is the author of
Lurps: A Ranger’s Diary of Tet, Khe Sanh, A Shau, and Quang
Tri, revised ed., (Lanham, MD: Hamilton Books, 2009).
Nominated for the Army Historical Foundation’s 2006 and
2009 Distinguished Writing Award.
57
I/75 - F/52 LRP - 1ST DIV LRRP
Unit Director - David Flores
Georgia in 1992), those who served in our
unit during the period 1966-70 began to
hold a unit reunion every other year. The
first, singular, 1st ID LRRP-LRP Ranger
unit reunion was held in 1993 in Greenfield,
Indiana, then Colorado Springs in 1995 and
onward from there. I attended my own first
reunion in 1999 in Branson, Missouri. There
I again met my excellent first Team Leader,
Ronnie Luse, my 2nd (and also excellent)
Team Leader, Paul Elsner and a man to whom
I will always be grateful, Cobra gunship Pilot,
Larry Taylor (whom I never actually met until
that time, except as a hazy, helmeted figure
on the other side of his plexiglass canopy). I
am sure has been, as it was for me, like that
homecoming we never received from our
countrymen when we returned from our own
tours of Vietnam. However, to again see the
guys with whom we served in combat, to meet their families
and to reminisce about those days when we had so depended
on each other, not just to survive, but to accomplish our
mission-that was better than any other possible homecoming
I could imagine. We never really needed (and still don’t) the
understanding of uncaring civilians; our self-respect and the
respect of those with whom we ran missions is rich enough in
its own right.
Hello one and all. I
have had it pretty easy
this last half of the year.
Let me explain, after
being elected as the
next Unit Director for
our company, I started
thinking about what
David Flores
to write about for the
next article in Patrolling. That’s when Bob
McGath told me he already had the next
article done, so I had some breathing room.
A month or so later, Greg Bennett sent me
a story for Patrolling, how often does that
happen? That covered the next Patrolling
issue. Then our newly elected secretary wrote
a great news letter for our members about our
recent reunion. There was no improving on
what Dave Hill had written, so I am putting
his news letter in for this Patrolling article. I will add some
additional info and pictures.
Along with all the fun stuff Dave mentioned, we also have
business to attend to. So one of the mornings, before we start
the fun stuff, we get down to our business meeting. We start
with a prayer and then a salute to our fallen brothers. Then, we
had elections for our new officers. The rest of the meeting goes
as most do; new business, old business, etc. We closed with
Dave Hill reading a poem to our fallen brothers.
From 8-12 June, 2011, our unit veterans held their tenth
biennial reunion in Davison, Michigan (just northeast of
Flint, Michigan). Our gracious hosts were John and Patty
Candiloro. John is also a veteran of General Motors, knows
the area well, and he and his wife, Patty (a former school
teacher) acted as our guide to local attractions. He and Patty
put on a great event and all of us forty-one attendees are
very appreciative of the results of their efforts. We all felt
“at home” in their home area. We also literally made the
nearby VFW Post our own for a couple of nights (I think
they may still be talking about, “those Rangers”,who stopped
in back in June). The Davison VFW were also great hosts
and we really appreciated their hospitality. Unit members
and their families visited automotive museums in nearby
Flint and Detroit, the “German Festival” in the village of
Frankenmuth, local golf courses and the usual, but always
memorable, nearly round-the-clock bull sessions at the event
hotel. John and Patty had arranged for a hospitality suite in
our base Comfort Inn and it was seldom empty during the
course of the reunion. On the night of Saturday, 11 June, we
were treated to a fine seafood buffet at the local restaurant,
The last night we have our banquet dinner, where we have
“The Missing Man Table Ceremony”, before we eat; another
tribute to our fallen brothers. After dinner we return to the
hotel hospitality room. Our company has one last tradition
to do. We all have a final drink, to our fallen brothers. We do
these things at every reunion; we will never forget our fallen
The company news letter and some pictures of our reunion
are next.
Dave Flores, Unit Director
2011 1st ID LRRP-LRP
Ranger Reunion Newsletter
Greetings One and All
The 2011 LRRP-LRP- Ranger Reunion- Davison, Michigan
Starting in 1993 (a few members having met at the 75th
Ranger Regiment Association Reunion at Fort Benning,
58
I/75 - F/52 LRP - 1ST DIV LRRP (Continued)
before returning to our digs at the hotel. The next morning
many got together for a final breakfast before officially
ending the reunion and heading back home or onward,
continuing their travels (being retired does have that benefit
of more time to travel). I hope that many more will be able
to attend our next reunion in 2013 near Washington, DC, to
be hosted by Bob and Sharel Busby.
Written by,
Dave Hill, Unit Secretary
2011 Reunion attendees.
2011 Reunion attendees wives.
Salute to our fallen.
Poem reading by Dave Hill.
Saying Grace at the banquet dinner.
Missing man table.
K/75 - E/58 LRP - 4TH DIV LRRP
Unit Director - Rodger T. Crunk
Rangers gathered in LaPorte, Texas to
be with Ray and daughter Stephanie
and it was an honor to serve as her
Pallbearers. Those attending were:
Roger Crunk, Wayne Mitsch, Ken
Nelson, Harry Phair, Duane Sells, and
Leslie Williams. Despite the many
medical problems she suffered through
over the years she still had a smile and
a sense of humor for all of us and she
will be greatly missed at our future
gatherings. Ray, you and Stephanie are
in our thoughts and prayers. You may
make a donation to the Family fund
or the Wounded Warrior Foundation
in her honor.
Greetings Brothers,
I hope all are well. Considering our age
group we seem to have a few medical
issues that come up from time to time.
Please keep your Brothers and their
families in your thoughts and prayers.
It has been a busy few weeks at my
house between last-of-season farm work
and travel. In September I traveled to
Tennessee for my Dads 88th birthday
and family reunion. On the way I
stopped off in Oklahoma City to
visit with Jack Werner. He is well and
working as hard as ever. On the return
trip I caught up with Reuben Siverling
and Herb Reichel in Kansas City.
Thanks guys for the visits.
Thanks to Bill Filippini for the following report:
On a sad note: Ray Allen’s Wife Janice passed away Oct.
28 from a stroke. She was a true Ranger Wife and a real
friend to K-Co and Ray’s Brother LRRPs. Several K-Co
During the August, 2011, reunion of the K 75th 4th Division
Rangers/LRRPs, in Dearborn, MI, it was learned that Lonnie
Gibson of Jellico, TN, who lost his life on Sept. 28, 1969, in
59
K/75 - E/58 LRP - 4TH DIV LRRP (Continued)
Binh Dinh Provence during his tour in Country, had a military
plague marking his gravesite but no headstone. Also that his
classmates were taking donations to purchase a headstone. There
was no explanation for the lack of a headstone, but the Rangers/
LRRPs graciously turned out their pockets to contribute.
Also Bill reports that the guys from the Dearborn gathering
donated a total of $1025.00 toward our KIA brick purchase.
Thanks to all who donated. We now have enough to purchase
all thirteen bricks. My thanks to the unit for stepping forward
and getting this job done. Hopefully by the time you read this
all the applications will be turned in to complete this.
On Oct. 9, 2011, some of the Rangers/LRRPs who became
acquainted with Lonnie during his 84-day tour of duty,
attended the dedication of the headstone at the Jellico
Cemetery, Jellico, TN. They were asked to unveil the headstone,
speak and make their presentation from the Rangers/LRRPs,
in memory of Lonnie. Those attending, especially Lonnie’s
family members, were very grateful to learn what Lonnie’s
LRRP duties were during his service and at the time his life
was lost. Those representing the Rangers/LRRPs were Stan
Craig, Gary Shellenbarger, Emmett Mulroney, Calvin Gotts,
Denny Ferguson and Roy Simpson.
Wayne Mitsch reports that our bank balance after the brick
purchase is $1785.00
Please pass on to other vets.
It’s official; DD-214s are NOW Online.
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided
the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD214s online: vetrecs.archives.gov
This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy
of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working
to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet
access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.
Presentation: Lonnie’s great
great nephew holding the
presentation from the
Rangers/LRRPs.
Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former
military members may now use a new online military personnel
records system to request documents.
Other individuals with a need for documents must still
complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded
from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked
to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the
request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask
veterans for additional information will be minimized. The
new web-based application was designed to provide better
service on these requests by eliminating the records centers
mailroom and processing time. Please pass this information
on to former military personnel you may know and their
dependents.
LRRPS 1: L-R: Emmett
Mulroney and Roy
Simpson with Lonnie’s
sister Charlotte Adams
and Dennis Ferguson,
Calvin Gotts and Gary
Shellenbarger with
sister Jeri Douglas.
As I write this I am in California for a Veterans day gathering
with Tom Sove, Wayne Mitsch, and Rick Noble . The four of
us are all former team leaders of Romeo-7. We always have a
great visit thanks to our hosts Tom and Cass Sove.
LRRPs (2) 1: Emmett
Mulroney, Stan Craig,
Denny Ferguson,
Roy Simpson, Gary
Shellenbarger and
Calvin Gotts.
60
L/75 - F/58 LRP - 1/101ST LRRP
Unit Director - Jerry Gomes
No Submission
M/75 - 71ST LRP - 199TH LRRP
Unit Director - Don Tillisch
It seems like we were at the 75th Ranger
regiment Association 2011 Reunion just
yesterday. As I write this, it’s going on
3 months since we were there and the
winter issue of Patrolling is coming out.
I spoke with Tom Zastrow a few weeks
ago and he was doing well. He and
his wife and family live in Anchorage,
Alaska, where Tom is a contractor. He
also enjoys fishing, and the last time
we talked, he was returning from a
successful fishing trip with his limit of
salmon. If you want to contact him, his
e-mail address is [email protected].
L-R; Ables, Dougherty, Baldwin
& Frohm.
L-R; David Wolfenbarger, Jerry
Kallen & Ron Ratliff.
Patrick Dougherty sent in a couple of
photos of him and three members of the 199th LRRP who
completed Recondo School in the Spring of 1967 and were
members of the unit prior to the unit being re-designated 71st
Inf. Detachment, (LRP) (ABN). These pictures were taken at
Cat Lai.
L-R; Terry Fralich,
Tom Burke,
Mike Ronnington,
Clyde Washington
& Jerry Kallen.
Jerry Kallen and I spoke earlier today and he informed me that
he was feeling great and he had a small out-patient eye surgery
on Monday as that he will soon be back to normal. We are
all very happy that Jerry is doing so well and look forward to
seeing him at the next Ranger Rendezvous in two years. Jerry
also sent two photos.
Ft. Benning Reunion, 2011.
N/75 - 74TH LRP - 173RD LRRP
Unit Director - Robert Henriksen
Jay Borman, who some met at the last reunion, is planning
to do a large format photo book on LRRP and Rangers from
RVN era. He discussed this folks from our unit, C, H, and
L Rangers and their antecedents. Such books seldom make
money and are “labors of love” for those authors/compilers
that put them together. He has received good consideration
from the other units and a number of us think that this would
be an excellent project to support. Those photos will probably
disappear when we do. He may be contacted at:
[email protected]
The only photos he has been able to obtain from TIMELIFE are those that Co Reenmeister took in February 1967
of Team 4 before an infiltration. The below is of the point
man Manuel “Pancho” Moya and will probably be used. Moya
was from A/1/503rd and probably came over to LRRP with
61
N/75 - 74TH LRP - 173RD LRRP (Continued)
Carlton Vencil, Roger Brown et al. He was
Jakovenko’s valued TL before Jake left and
was as good a point man as one could ask for.
He unfortunately was killed in a car accident
30 years ago in northern New Mexico.
admin action. Simply not mission essential
at the time. In case, The LRRP Platoon’s
TO&E, and The Westmoreland directive
was rescinded /changed. Thus allowing us
to meet the Mission of Long Range Patrols
which included combat patrols while
keeping the point and area recon capability.
Which by the way, Gen. Abrams was
adamant about in his strategy of locating the
VCI/NVA Support and logistics systems,
IE caches and supply systems. (Abrams
Papers, Carlisle Barracks).As the Platoon
was reconstituted at Tuy Hoa and began to
Fill the TO&E for the 74th Infantry Deta
chment (LRP). There were only 18 of us that
were operational and ran on Tad’s, Wade’s,
Trembley’s, Rabel’s, Tompson’s, and Sandy’s
Teams at least in my time with the Platoon
and with the early 74th until 15 June “68
Does anyone know anything about a Don
Lange. The following is from his son.
Hello,
My dad, Don Lange from Chicago was
a LRRP with the 173rd Airborne Division, 74th Infantry
Detachment. He was recruited by and a close friend with
Laslo Rabel. I am trying to find anyone who might have
known him.
Although, Memory in itself is unreliable in
the short and long term according to recent Brain and memory
research (Lofton,Etc). And personally, after a mini stroke
my own memory has been somewhat effected...I suggest
you inquiry with Tad, Frenchie, “Joe”Welke, Kelner, Jersey,
Fletcher, “ Doc” Clarke, COL. Bazaki, Art Silsby, Frank, S.
“Spradlin”, “Schoonie”, Nesby, Pipkin, Moran, J. Simmons,
‘Ski, and other LRRP Platoon members (67/68) we have yet
to locate (ETC, Pedersen, Olson)
Thank you,
msltacom
As you know the other folks who could confirm this fellow
were Holland, Wade, Jerome, Harland, Rabel and “Rock”
Trembley all of which were KIA in ‘67/’68. Also, “Santi”
Santiago, John “Tomson,” “Turtle”, “Teach”, “Cat” Catozzi
and others who could confirm this fellow and were with the
LRRP Platoon and early 74th LRP from February to June ‘68
(when was assigned) have passed on due to medical issues and
circumstance. Anything after that time period my journals do
not cover...as I went MACV and Later N /75th RGR Also,
during this period of time, we had LRRP operatives in MACV
RECONDO School, Dero’sing, WIA or KIA. Some LRRP
Candidates thatwere accepted by the board left after a mission
or two and were RTU back to the Brigade TO&E units for
obvious reasons. But, we LRRP Platoon guys knew each other,
simply because there was a hand full of us running back to
back missions with as team mates or as fillers for each others
teams. In other words, Some of us came in from one mission...
debriefed, repacked, got a warning order/patrol order, and
went right back out with another team leader. ‘68 was a rush
and blur in terms of number of missionsran. Those kinds of
circumstances create cohesion and lifelong relationships. From
January to June ‘68 We received a number folks to begin to fill
From Tome Roubideaux on this subject. N.B Tome admits
that he made an effort to not get close to newbies. And my
recollections (Reed C.) is that once I became a TL I really
knew no one except those on teams 3 and 4.
I served as 1st Scout or 2nd Scout during my time with LRRP
Platoon or 74th LRP...besides being experienced LRRP,with
the added skill of being a combat tracker from a Free World
Armed Forces tracking school In USARPAC. In December of
1967, we were designated as the 74Th Infantry Detachment
(LRP) and were unaware of this re-designation until we
returned to Tuy Hoa....The 67/68 workload (Dak To, NVA
Troop Movement & TET) preempted the importance of that
62
N/75 - 74TH LRP - 173RD LRRP (Continued)
the 74Th’s TO&E at Tuy Hoa and later at Bong Son. Most of
us were running back to back mission from Dak To II and early
“68. Although, I had allowed myself to become close to the
LRRP platoon team mates, I did not make any effort to know
most of the replacements in those early ‘68 days with the 74th
Infantry Detachment (LRP). Friendly... Yes!...Close ...No!
David Cummings sent some photos of a few derelicts (I mean
fine retired and semi-retired old Rangers) on a Thunder Run.
I was on my 3rd tour the after having come from “Gun Fighter”
Emerson’s 2/502nd Recondo platoon, and the 1/101st LRRP
prior reenlisting for the 173rd BDE. Experience had taught me
that getting to close to guys beyond being a team mate could
be emotionally rough if they got dusted or hurt. I had enough
ghosts to live with by then and did not need any distracting
emotives that could endanger my team mates or impede my
decision making or situational awareness in carrying out my
assigned duties.
I enjoy keeping in contact with Bob Stouch and include
photos of him back in the day and another with a guy from
B/2/503 Ed Kearney
It’s quite possible this fellow was flying below my radar. Try
as I might I cannot find Mr. Lange name in my research
materiel or can I recall him on the teams during my time with
the LRRP Platoon or with the 74th LRP, circa ‘67 or June ‘68.
Now, I can be wrong!!!! But, I suggest you ask the folks I listed
earlier in this email as they were both in the LRRP Platoon and
early reorganization days of the platoon to the 74th Infantry
detachment (LRP) TO&E during that time period...and they
may have better memories, journals or orders that could confirm
this fellow. I have seen the photos...But, be advised that almost
all of us either wore our berets and MACV Recondo School
Arrowhead or the plastic covered pocket patch with the LRRP
tab over the Airborne Tab on our Khakis while on extension
leave, R&R or when we deros’d. I did not observed that detail
in those photos nor did John Jersey.
Ed Kearney from B/2/503 makes us all look like dwarves
In Regards
Dr. Tome Roubideaux DSW (Retired)
LRRP,LRP, N Co. 75th RGR, MACV TM 162
Rick Jones (erstwhile Operations Officer for N Rangers) has
sent on a few photos of his time
It would be delightful to get photos of us back in the day and
as we are today, with/without wives and kids
63
O/75 - 78TH LRP
Unit Director - Michael Dolsen
No Submission
P/75 - 79TH LRP
Unit Director - Terry B. Roderick
Remembering
Bill Oleskevich
true warrior in every sense of the word.
He had the respect of all of us and was
well liked in the company during my
time there.
It is with great sorrow and regret that
we announce the passing of Ranger
William “Bill” Oleskevich, of Evergreen,
Colorado. Bill died unexpectedly on
October 10, 2011 at home with his
family. Bill was born on June 27, 1951
so you can see he left us way too early.
Bill came to Papa Company in
December of 1969, just before we lost
Dowd’s Dirty Half Dozen right before
Christmas in 1969. It was a tough time
to come into the company and we were reeling a bit from the
losses we suffered at that time. Bill was a welcome addition to
our ranks with his can do attitude
and eagerness to please and to do the
dangerous job we were tasked with.
He was a young, highly motivated
PFC who was ready to join the fight.
He was on the short side in stature,
but he stood out with his muscular
frame and he was as physically fit as
any member of our unit from the
start. If you knew him, you knew
Bill Oleskevich.
that it was very important to him
that he keep his body strong and fit and he continued that
during his entire life. He eventually went to SSG Terry Bishop’s
team, Killer 1-1, for quite a while and learned the trade and
became a Ranger who didn’t need a lot of guidance, but began
to share his knowledge and experience with those younger
Rangers who followed him into
the company. He moved into more
responsible positions on his teams
and showed leadership qualities that
came with experience. That’s how
we did it in Papa Company. It was
a completely different kind of war
we were fighting from the training
we were receiving stateside before
deploying to Vietnam. Bill served
Bill ‘Stump’
honorably and with valor in our Oleskevich & Gregg
company and was recognized as a
‘Spud’ Gain.
I left in November 1970 and Bill
was still there finishing his tour. He
extended for another 6 months after I
left and stayed in the company for most
of the time until it was de-activated in
July 1971. Folks, that’s a long time in
such an active unit. He later moved into
the Commo/Operations section of the
company and served as a training NCO
for new guys coming into the company before he left to come
back to CONUS and begin the rest of his life. He and Dan
Wagoner who both spent a long time in the company became
closer friends and their friendship continued up until Bill’s
surprise passing.
I probably had
spoken on the
phone with Bill
less than a week
before he died
and he sounded
real good to
me at the time.
Gain, Oleskevick & McKnew,
I lost track of
1992 Reunion.
him after I left
Papa Company but we reunited sometime after at a Ranger
Rendezvous. He was initially stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
with the 82nd Airborne Division after Vietnam and he and
Gregg “Spud” Gain linked up at Bragg and roomed together
for a while. We had quite a few former P/75th Rangers who
ended up at Fort Bragg after their tours in Vietnam and before
they left the Army or re-enlisted and continued their careers.
Gregg and Bill have remained close friends for all these years
and never got too far from each other. Larry McNew has
remained close to Bill and his family over the years and they
had a special bond like so many of us do with one another at
times. We’d like to recognize and thank Larry for going out
to Colorado to assist the Oleskevich family with anything he
could at this terrible time in their lives.
64
P/75 - 79TH LRP (Continued)
Bill left a lovely
family behind
starting
with
his life partner
and wife, Joyce
Oleskevich.
Joyce was well
received by the
Papa Company
Bill Oleskevich & Jose Dominguez,
Gals the times
1970.
she’s been able to
join us and it’s always a pleasure to have her with us too. They
had two children, Michael, 35, and Sonia, 32. Both children
had granddaughters and from a short note I just got from
Joyce, they were one of the major reasons he looked forward
to getting up every day……
on with her
life,
which
included
her
Papa Company
Ranger family.
She could have
easily gone on
her own way
and left all this
Bob Murphy & Mary Rossi.
behind,
but
she didn’t. Not only her, but several other widows who are
beginning to fill our ranks slowly, unfortunately. Anyway,
Bob, being the sneaky LRP that he is, somehow began a long
distance relationship with Mary from Australia via e-mail and
they met up again at the 2011 Ranger Rendezvous. When I
first saw them together, I knew something was up. They both
had the glow of high school sweethearts and it seemed they
were inseparable during this year’s Rendezvous. I’m happy
to announce that Mary has since moved to Oz to be with
Bob and that they plan to tie the knot and make an honest
woman out of Mary again shortly. Plans were for a Veteran’s
Day wedding but legal snafus have moved it to December 1st.
We’d all like to send them our best wishes and to congratulate
them both. It’s such a cool story that I want to just go on and
on about it, but I’ll spare you all. Joyce and I were invited to
go to Oz to be the Best Man and Maid of Honor, but it looks
like we won’t make it. We were both honored that these “kids”
would think so much of us to even ask. “Blue skies and fair
winds to you both” as you embark on some new adventures in
your lives. The Papa Company Rangers are pleased to absorb
Bob into our family and expect him to be a valuable addition.
That being whether he likes it or not !! Ha! Ha!
Terry, Right now I’m still dealing with a lot of personal and
financial paperwork so I’m not able to contribute a lot. Bill
& I were married 39 years on Oct. 7, five days after he passed
away. We have a daughter Sonia, her daughter Juliana; son
Michael and his daughter Amber. Bill was honest, hard
working, stubborn, opinionated, had morals and values. He
loved his family and showed us a part of him that most people
didn’t get to see. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father
and grandfather. His granddaughters were the apple of his
eye. He had tea parties and played the prince & the princess
with his 3yr. old granddaughter.
Yep, that’s the Bill I knew. He was all those things and way
more. Obviously he will be missed by more than just his family
and hopefully he will be remembered fondly by all those he
touched. The memories we leave behind are our personal legacy
and hopefully we can leave a smile on someone’s face when they
take the time to remember us. Rest in Peace, Ranger Brother…
Dave Barfield and Bobby Hampton are working hard putting
our next company reunion together for next summer in
Nashville, Tennessee. I went to a F/51st LRP reunion they put
on a few years back and let me tell you, these guys know how
to get it done !! We hope for a large turnout this summer as
we are all getting older and the excuses for not traveling are
getting harder to dispute. We invite any of you other LRP’s
and Rangers to join us as soon as we get the details set and
begin to solidify our plans. We expect the dates to be in late
July as usual.
On a more positive note, we’d like to pass along our blessing
and best wishes for Mary Rossi and Bob Murphy, a 5th Corps
LRP, who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Yes, OZ!! At the
barbeque at the hangar at Lawson Field in 2009 during the
Ranger Rendezvous, I was standing and playing around with
Joyce Boatman and Mary Rossi when Bob Murphy and a friend
walked up and asked to take a picture of us. I introduced them
to Joyce and Mary and shortly headed out to do whatever it is
I do in a social setting. Mary lost her husband, Mike, to cancer
over 8 years ago and has been living in Ohio and carrying
Rangers Lead the Way !!
Terry B. Roderick, Unit Director
D/151 LRP/RANGER
Unit Director - Leon Moore
No Submission
65
F/51 LRP
Unit Director - Russell Dillon
The 2011 F 51 LRP reunion in New
York was a success. Everyone had a good
time and enjoyed the many offerings
that are in and around New York City.
We had a total of 32 signed in members
not counting member significant others.
A more in-depth article will be in the
next issue. Again Thanks go out to
John Chichester for hosting the reunion
and getting everyone where they were
suppose to be.
They had an enlisted men’s club at the end
of the platoon where you could get a soda
or a beer and come chips or other snacks.
They even had a makeshift outdoor movie
screen. At night they would show a movie
if they were able to get one.
The next morning, I started to be trained
on what they did and how they did it.
I first was given a refresher course on
first aid, you were required to be able to
dress wounds, flush eyes, give albumin
through an intravenous catheter to help
replace blood loss during major bleeding,
and morphine surrets for pain. There
were no medics assigned to F Company.
Our 2013 reunion is going to be in
Louisville KY. More information will
be coming in following articles. I want
to Thank Dick Moyer for this article. Dick had copies of his
first experience with a LRP unit at the reunion. I think most
of us know some of the feelings Dick talks about.
I was then instructed on what was expected of me and how
I was to rig my own equipment that I would be carrying in
the field. Then I was told what our mission was. A 5 or 6
man team would be inserted into enemy territory to collect
intelligence. We were to do this hopefully without being
detected. I was thinking to myself, “Holy shit!! What have I
gotten myself into?!” Then I remembered what my Dad had
told me as I was boarding the plane headed to Fort Dix where
I would be leaving the States to be deployed to “Nam”. Dad’s
exact words were “Do not volunteer for anything!!”
(LRP REPLACEMENT)
MY FIRST MISSION AS A LRP
I arrived in Vietnam during the final throws of the infamous
Tet Offensive. I had just come off of a three week leave after
jump school, at Fort Benning. We landed at Bien Hoa Air
Base at night. The base was being probed by enemy motor
fire, “Welcome to Vietnam”!!
We were transported to the Replacement Center by buses
once the “all clear” warning was issued. I spent 5 or 6 days at
the center waiting to be assigned to a unit. I assumed I would
get assigned to one of the airborne units that were currently
deployed in “Nam”.
A few days passed before I was assigned to a team. There
were several duties that you would be assigned to while you
were not in the field. Gate guard, T.O.C. Guard, fill sand
bags, rebuild and reinforced our ammo bunker, etc. I was
assigned to a team and the next afternoon we were briefed on
our mission. We were inserted by helicopter into an area that
had just been hit by an air strike. We put on our camouflage
jungle fatigues and painted our faces with camo sticks. We
boarded the helicopter and were whooshed off to our landing
zone, (LZ). The chopper whooshed down to tree top level
and we flew several meters before the chopper dived into the
LZ that was selected. We were out of the chopper before it
touched ground and then the chopper immediately took off
again. We ran for cover into the thick jungle. We moved
stealthy through the jungle after assuring ourselves that we
had not been detected. The team leader moved us several
meters from the LZ and we set up our defensive perimeter and
waited to observe the area.
I was pulling guard duty near the food storage area when an
NCO came and got me telling me I had just been assigned to
the “F” Company 51st Infantry Airborne, Long Range Patrol,
a “LRP” company. I thought “What the hell is a LERP?” I
and another replacement were driven by jeep to the company
area. We were driven down a road that led to a gate and a
gate guard. A sign over the gate read “Welcome Camp Linsy,
Latten.” The whole compound had a high berm built around
it. The driver said “Good luck...these guys are crazy bastards!”
as he dropped us off at the Company Office. We were
introduced to the first sergeant and the executive officer and
assigned to a platoon. I was assigned to first platoon where I
was directed to a hutch and a bed, and then went to the supply
room where I was issued bedding and my field gear.
At this point I realized that my jungle fatigues were soaking
wet from sweat. Night was coming fast from the dense jungle
that surrounded us. As darkness closed in around us, we could
hear rustling and then voices. We came to the ready, and as
After getting settled in a little, we went to the mess hall for dinner.
After dinner, I was free to kind of roam around the compound and
check things out. I introduced myself to several men in the area.
66
F/51 LRP (Continued)
we did so, an enemy soldier ran right passed the edge of our
perimeter. A team member quickly dropped him with a burst
from his M-16. The radio operator advised headquarters that
we had made contact with the enemy. We were instructed
to see if the enemy soldier was alive, and if so, be prepared
to bring him to the LZ and he would be extracted with the
team. The soldier was alive but gravely wounded. We were
instructed to start for the LZ. It was pitch black and we are
trying to get through the jungle carrying the wounded soldier.
It was surreal feeling the warm blood touching me on my cold
sweat soaked jungle fatigues as I took my turn carrying the
wounded soldier. We made it to the LZ and the team leader
handed me a strobe light and told me to hold it straight up.
As I stood straight up and reached high into the air I turned
on the strobe light and thought how long it would be before
bullets start flying at me. We heard the chopper coming and
swooped down and we ran to it as quickly as possible. We were
flown to a med evac unit where we delivered the wounded
enemy soldier: he was alive but barely. We were then flown
back to our company area to be debriefed. After debriefing,
we went to our hutches, cleaned up a little, and went to the
mess hall they opened up and gave us some hot chow.
We went back to our hutch and tried to settle in for the night.
As I lay there on my bunk I thought, “This is going to be a
very long tour, and will I survive?” From that point on, I made
sure I listened to the men that had been doing this for 5 or 6
months and were still alive. My father’s words came back to me
again, “Do not volunteer for anything!” And to this day, I don’t
remember volunteering to be one of these crazy bastards!!
Dick Moyer
LRRP DETACHMENT-3RD ID
Unit Director - Michael McClintock
No Submission
ARVN RANGER ADV, (BDQ)
Unit Director - Bill Miller
Fellow Rangers and
Co Vans
Saigon—were outnumbered 3 to 1.
Two U.S. Army advisers were killed in an
assault on an outpost on a hill about a halfmile west of the fort.
SIT REP
BDQ Reunion 2012:
I have tentatively
set a date for the
2012
reunion;
(April 19, 20,& 21)
Bill Miller
in Columbus, GA.
However certain things need to fall into
place to meet that date. We have a number
of BDQ who live in the area and I believe
everyone would like to see the new Infantry
Museum.
Weather Favors Reds
“I got the s.o.b.’s that shot them,” said Staff
Sgt. Henry McNeal of Pittsburgh, Pa. He
and a fourth U.S. adviser were unhurt.
In launching their attack, the Communists
took advantage of poor weather conditions
that grounded U.S. and South Vietnamese
support planes.
Feature:
U.S. Ships Bombard Attacking Viet Cong
The attack broke before dawn and the U.S. advisers called for
the bombardment from two 7th Fleet destroyers lying offshore.
McNeal said the Navy shells kept the attackers down until
the weather cleared later in the day. Then U.S. and South
Vietnamese planes and U.S. Marine helicopters attacked with
napalm bombs and rockets.
Extracted from the Evening Star, Washington, DC
November 22, 1965
Saigon, South Vietnam (AP): South Vietnamese forces beat
back the heavy Viet Cong assaults on the central coast today
with the help form bombarding U.S. Navy Ships offshore and
air strikes later. U.S. and South Vietnamese Officers said at
least 200 of about 1,500 attackers were killed.
Red Bodies Strewn Around
Viet Cong bodies were strewn inside the fort, in the rice
paddies in front of it and on the outpost hill.
The South Vietnamese—defending a fort in Thach Tru village,
20 miles south of Quang Ngai and 320 miles northeast of
67
ARVN RANGER ADV, (BDQ) (Continued)
Attack planes silenced six 81mm Viet Cong mortars that were
firing on the hill.
Bob Murphy and
Doug Perry
U.S. and South Vietnamese officers on the scene said at least
200 Viet Cong were killed. Associated Press correspondent
George Esper said he counted more than 100 bodies.
Officials said government casualties were light, but Esper said
their casualties appeared to be moderate. Many of the rangers
were killed inside the fort in close-in fighting. At one spot about
20 bodies of government soldiers were attacked side by side.
The Rangers of Omaha Beach
These often six-foot waves
Stormed ashore, surging over
That Midwestern-named, but still
European beach.
Below the “Pointe du Hoc” they
Drove upward into two days
Of advance and loss: 50 of their 250
Fought into the heights. Those remaining
Passed on earthwards, into unit history.
Leaving behind the first blood sacfrifices
That all great mortal undertakings in war
Then and now, seem to ask.
Attacked Six Times
The rangers were divided into three companies, one inside the
fort, one on the hill outpost and one north of the village of
Thach Tru.
The Viet Cong assaulted the fort six times during an eighthour period. They were beaten off by small arms, automatic
weapons and hand grenades.
Many of the Viet Cong were wearing brown khaki shirts and
short black pants. A commemoration button reading “Dien
Bien Phu Battalion” was found on one of the bodies. This
battalion fought in the decisive battle at Dien Bien Phu in
1954 where the Viet Minh defeated the French.
Some may since dare to forget
With our passing time’s quiet years
The necessary violence that
So few to consider or allow, but
Without which success in war
Most often demands.
Government troops also captured nearly 100 enemy weapons,
many of them late model types including recoilless rifles, light
machine guns and Chinese-type assault rifles.
Mike McNamara
32nd ARVN Ranger BN
As many of you know Command Sergeant Major Henry
passed away August 13, 2011 in Kileen, Texas.
Quote:
“Remember officers and soldiers that you are free men, fighting
for the blessings of liberty. - General George Washington
Sitrep
Our Ranger from down under AATTV WO Arthur (Robbie)
Robinson returned home from a recent hip replacement and
is back on the net. I know he would love to hear from his
Ranger friends.
Mu Nau, Bill Miller, Unit Director
RANGERS:
On Friday, 11 November 2011, a group of comrades laid
wreaths at the Vietnamese Rangers (Biet Dong Quan) Living
Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The Vietnamese
Ranger Memorial was installed in 1995, and has been the site
of several Veteran’s Day observances. We will remember.
Arnold AFB:
In early October several of us got together at the Arnold, AFB
recreation area. Attached are a number of photos.
Biet Dong Quan Sat!, Jim Waters, TD42BDQ
Arlington, 11
November, 2011
Fran and Sam Conn
Hilda and Mike Martin
68
MERRILL’S MARAUDERS
This Page Dedicated to the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), Merrill’s Marauders, Our 75th RRA Lineage.
69
Special Operations Memorial
MacDill AFB, Florida
USSOCOM Special Operations Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Air Commando Association
Office of Strategic Services Society
Special Forces Association
Special Operations Association
The walls flanking the central generic SOF warrior will hold individual engravings in addition to special
operations organizational histories. Engravings may be purchased, and designed to reflect either the buyer’s
name and/or organization, or may memorialize another (past or present) special operator. To maximize the
available space, the same individual will not be memorialized more than once. The memorial is located adjacent
to the entrance to the US Special Operations Command Headquarters complex, MacDill AFB. Engravings are
limited to eighteen (18) letters per line (including spaces) in one or two lines. The two-line limit came into
effect on 1 January 2011 in order to conserve space and maintain uniformity. Engravings may be purchased
as shown below and mailing with check or money order to the Special Operations Memorial Foundation at our
Post Office Box:
Special Operations Memorial Foundation, PO Box 6696, MacDill AFB, Florida 33608-0696
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
2 Lines - $100
Did the Honoree serve with SOF? (Y or N) ___ If YES, which unit: ___________________________________
Name: _______________________________________e-mail: ________________________ Telephone: ___________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Mbr: 75 Rgr Regt Assn: ___ SFA:___ SOA: ___ UDT/SEAL Assn: ___ ACA___
http://www.SOFMemorial.com
http://www.specialoperationsmemorial.net
70
Total Amount:___________
WE HAVE REDESIGNED
THE 75TH RANGER REGIMENT
ASSOCIATION, INC. CHALLENGE COIN.
We will also be able to furnish the coin in bronze as well as silver. Bronze coins
are $20.00, plus shipping and engraving as specified below.
Price of the above silver coins are $50.00 each. (The price of silver has doubled).
They are solid silver. Engraving cost will vary depending on number of characters,
add $5.00 for shipping.
If you order more than one coin, add only $5.00 for the shipping. We have
available through the coin company, bezels that fit around the coin so that it can
be worn on a chain. Call for info.
We can now accept VISA or
To Order:
MASTER CARD and Pay Pal
There were potential issues concerning the ownership and copy right of the
figure on the reverse of the coin, the figure that we referred to as “Ruck
Man”. The new layout will allow much more space for engraving. The
other side of the coin will remain the same, (see below).
Call or e-mail John Chester
Phone: 410-426-1391
Fax: 410-426-0243
e-mail: [email protected]
Order Online: www.75thrra.org
Desperate Lands
ISBN: 9870979784705
Regulo Zapata Jr.
Book Author
Buy Now!
$19.95
Order Online thru:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.borders.com
www.nadorespublishing.com
71
The card ads on these pages allow the Association to bring you a quality product (the magazine) at a cost that is sustainable by the
Association. These card ads are a great deal, the cost is only $100.00 for four issues. That’s a years worth of advertising. If the advertiser
has a web site, we will provide a link from our web site (75thrra.org) for an additional $50.00, so for $150.00 you will have a years
worth of exposure as well as a link to your web site, for a total of $150.00. We mail around 2,200 copies of the magazine each issue. The
copies that go to the 3 Battalions and to the RTB are seen by many more people than the number of copies would indicate. That’s a lot
of exposure for a minimum cost.
As members, we should make an effort to patronize our advertisers. Most of us would prefer to deal with one of our own given the opportunity.
Give it a chance, it helps the Association bring you a quality product at a reasonable price. Thanks to everyone that has signed up.
Giant Paws Dog Beds
What Giant Dogs Want™
Designed Especially For
Extra Large Dogs That
Need A Large Bed
Email
[email protected]
Sam and Sherry Schiro
706-575-1314
www.giantpawsdogbeds.com
SUPPORT
OUR
TROOPS
6RXWKHDVW$ODVNDVDOWZDWHUILVKLQJ
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Wear Something Red On Fridays
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KILROY Challenge Coin
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(PDLOOHPLUHFKDUWHUV#\DKRRFRP
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72
DIRECT FROM NAM
To the
With Regards and Best Wishes
Authentic Montagnard bracelets,
weavings, bows
Vietnamese arts and crafts
NVA/VC militaria and collectibles
Hundreds Of Items
FREE CATALOG WRITE:
Sampan Imports, 11893 N. 75th St, Longmont, CO. 80503
OR... check out our online catalog at: www.sampan.com
Special Operations
Memorial Foundation
Stained glass, mosaics,
tables. Custom made and
custom design.
410-426-1391
John Chester
73
COLT TRANSPORTATION, INC.
“Pony up with Colt”
Military driving experience accepted!
Flatbed trucking out of Louisiana
e-mail: [email protected]
Drivers call 1-866-450-2658
“Your Tax Point Man”
Tom Workman
“COUNTRY VILLAGE FLORIST”
NOW specializing in: Helping you obtain a
payment agreement; levy release; an Offer in
Compromise or placing your delinquent taxes in a suspended status
ue to financial hardship.
‘Ambushed by Tax Problems’? “Follow Me!”
When it’s “Scent” With Love
From: Louisiana To: USA
Toll Free: 1-800-942-0919
Michelle Tabor - Owner
R*L*T*W*!
Call 1-704-895-1835 or Email me at: [email protected]
FAX: 704-892-3353
Reasonable Rates whatever the case, “Rangers Lead The Way!”
“Charlie/Mike”
Great Symbols of Freedom,
All Cut From the Same Cloth.
When America puts
her Boots on the Ground,
there is no doubt
where she stands.
When someone wears our
“Boots on the Ground”
products, there is no
doubt where they stand.
Visit our new website
for the latest in products
and apparel designed
for Patriots by Patriots.
Visit our “Boots on the Ground” Booth at the
Ranger Rendezvous 2011 and meet the artist
behind all of our innovative military products.
themilitarysuperstore.com
678-475-1549
74
75
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Invoices for dues will be late this year. To prevent any lapses in your membership, you can mail
your dues to the following address:
75th RRA
PO BOX 577800
This Christmas season we have made donations to each of the three Ranger Battalions and to the
Special Troops Battalion for the benefit of the young Rangers and their families. If you wish to
contribute to the Family Fund, it is not too late. Please mail your contribution to the address
above. If you send one check for a contribution and your dues, please specify how much goes to
each. Thank you.
G RA
LON
PATRO
L
AIRBORNE
RANGER
75 th Ranger Regiment Association. Inc
P.O. Box 577800
Membership Application Form
Annual dues: $30.00
Life membership: $300.00
Subscription Only: $30.00
Checks Payable to:
75th Ranger Regiment Assoc.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
MI
DATE
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP PLUS
AREA CODE/HOME PHONE
AREA CODE/WORK PHONE
OCCUPATION
UNITS
SIGNATURE
DATE
FROM (DATE)
TO (DATE)
UNIT (Company or Battalion)
NAMES OR ORDERS
FROM (DATE)
TO (DATE)
NAMES OR ORDERS
FROM (DATE)
TO (DATE)
NAMES OR ORDERS
REMARKS:
VISA or MASTERCARD #
CHECK ONE:
EXP. DATE:
NEW APPLICATION
RENEWAL
SUBSCRIPTION MEMBER
MEMBERSHIP CONTINGENT UPON PROOF OF SERVICE: ORDERS OR NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS YOU SERVED WITH IN THE UNITS LISTED IN THIS NEWSLETTER. UNITS MUST CARRY
THE LINEAGE OR BE IN THE HISTORY. WE ARE NOT JUST A VIETNAM ERA ASSOCIATION. ALL UNITS OF THE 75TH RANGER REGIMENT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP
76
PAT RO L L I N G – W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
1st Bn capabilities demonstration. April 2009.
5307th
LRRP
LRP
RANGER
BDQ
LRS
75TH RANGER REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 577800
MODESTO, CA 95357-7800
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Indiana, PA
Permit #12
2d Squad, 1st Platoon “Matoon’s Goons”, C Co. 2d Bn
Yakima WA, 1976.

PATROLLING - 75th Ranger Regiment Assn., Inc.

Transcription

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